CHRISTCHURCH boxer Tommy Watson is targeting major honours after overcoming a gigantic leap in weight class to emerge triumphant from his most recent contest.

Watson is taking an unconventional route to the top, combining his relentless training schedule with a full time job clearing drains for Dyno-Rod.

But after nearly three years out of the ring following the birth of son Reggie, Watson marked his return last September by disposing of Midlander Jason Nesbitt inside one round.

The 29-year-old's desire to kick-on with his career was then put to the test when illness limited his ability to train before boxing on a card at Bournemouth's O2 Academy earlier this month.

Unable to shift the pounds in order to fight in his usual welterweight division, Watson climbed an astonishing three weight classes to go into battle with rugged super middleweight, Kieron Gray, ultimately overcoming the man 10 years his senior on a comfortable points verdict.

Watson told the Daily Echo: "That weight difference made it so tough. Where he was so much bigger than me he was walking through everything I had.

"It was tiring, more than anything else. If I had been boxing at my own weight I would have been hurting my opponent more but I had to keep plugging away.

"But when you can outbox someone at a higher weight it boosts your confidence, even more so because he didn't hurt me too much when he hit me.

"I had to take the fight at that weight, though – being ill meant I hadn't been able to train properly at all."

Watson's all or nothing attitude underpinned his decision to step away from the sport after Reggie's birth.

He is trained by dad Alan at Southampton's Golden Ring Boxing Club and represented by Goodwin Boxing, whose stable of stars includes former world heavyweight title contender Dereck Chisora and Frank Buglioni, the British light heavyweight champion.

Watson now hopes to attract extra sponsorship – to supplement the backing he receives from Beckon Carpets – to enable him to commit even more hours to his chase for titles.

His next contest – mercifully, in familiar welterweight territory – is back at the highly-charged O2 on July 1. And he can't wait.

"It wasn't possible to combine work, a newborn baby and training," continued Watson. "But now I am either running twice a day, or running in the morning and going to the gym in the evening.

"I aspire to be as good as guys like Dereck and Frank. My next fight is a six rounder, then I can target a British Challenge belt. After that me and my manager will discuss where we go next.

"The atmosphere at the O2 is incredible. I don't get nervous. I don't see any point in worrying. If you worry about it then you won't enjoy it.

"I am aiming to be in this for a long time – and to win a few titles."

To sponsor Tommy contact Tyron Holland on 07764 337624.