IT’S almost nine o’clock on Saturday night in Weston-super-Mare and professional boxer Pawel Augustynik is stood outside Vision nightclub, writes Marc Gatford.

Arms folded and dressed in black, he blends in among colleagues except for bruising above his right eye.

“I should be resting but I need the fuel money for training in Bristol on Monday,” says Augustynik, who won an amateur title for Great Britain.

“While other boxers are relaxing after a fight, I’m straight back to working on the door.”

This time the previous evening Augustynik was extending his unbeaten record to 8-0, defeating 36-year-old Richard O’Connor with a precise combination to head and body.

His latest victory was his third stoppage in a row, showing his finishing instincts are improving.

Tonight, however, the part-time doorman is charged with keeping the peace.

“People think being a professional athlete automatically makes you wealthy, but that’s far from the truth.

“Without my second job, I wouldn’t be able to get to Bristol to train and I wouldn’t be able to chase my dream to become a British Champion.”

Manager Chris Sanigar trains the 23-year-old at his respected base in Bristol.

The Bristol Boxing Gym is a breeding ground for champions, including Ash Lane, the reigning Commonwealth super bantamweight champion.

Three days a week, the Taunton man hones his craft alongside some of the south west’s most promising talents.

Augustynik says: “Even though I need to work a second job I’m in a fortunate position to be signed by Chris, he opens so many doors for me.

“He has links throughout the boxing world, so I get top sparring in Bristol and at gyms around the country.”

The light heavyweight spends hours trading leather behind closed doors, preparing physically and mentally for fight night.

Sparring closely mimics the conditions of a real bout and is essential to a fighter’s development. Benefiting from Sanigar’s contacts, the prospect often spars former World title challenger Jamie Cox.

“Cox is a fighter who has operated at the elite level; he has been in there with former World champion George Groves.

“The rounds we spar are hard rounds. But this is the only way to get better. I feel I am improving with each training camp and I’m ready for a real test.”

Since turning professional in 2016, Augustynik has learnt his trade on undercards throughout the south west, building slowly and gaining experience.

Sanigar, 63, has matched his man with journeyman opponents, who serve to give young prospects like Augustynik rounds.

With eight bouts to his name, the Polish native is setting foundations for the challenges ahead in Britain’s deeply talented light heavyweight division.

And, while the novice isn’t ready for British-level opposition, his apprenticeship in the professional ranks is drawing to a close.

On Saturday, April 20, at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre, Augustynik headlines a card for the first time. A unique pressure is attached to being top of the bill.

As the main attraction, you’re expected to step out of the undercard shadows and deliver under the spotlight.

Another learning curve for the prospect earmarked for success.

“Tomorrow morning I’ll get home at four o’clock, but these are the sacrifices I have to make,” says Augustynik.

Tickets for “Battle at the Bay” on April 20 in Torquay are available by calling David Entwistle 07540260064.

Augustynik’s career is made possible by sponsors: Growth Technology, The Inner Garden, Intense Nutrients, Activate Fitness, KNR Scaffolding, Taunton Training Centre, Rest & Relax - Sports & Holistic Massage Therapies, P&P Auto Services and The Victoria Gate.