TAUNTON boxer Pawel August has promised to keep his emotions in check when he returns to Gniew Castle in Poland to defend his WBC International Silver title against Max Miszczenko on Friday night, writes Marc Gatford.

The unbeaten light heavyweight revealed this week that he was too eager to produce a knockout finish during his comfortable victory over Dariusz Sek last November, a mistake he vows to correct against Miszczenko.

“I got carried away after the sixth round, I just wanted to get him out of there,” August said.

“I wanted the stoppage and I went looking for it. I should have waited a bit longer, but that comes with experience - I’ll manage it better next time.

“The first few rounds went really well, especially against someone like Sek, but I got carried away.

“Against Max, I need to control my emotions and just go with the flow - that’s how the knockout will come.

“He [Miszczenko] is a good fighter, he moves well and I need to remain focused to get the job done.”

Miszczenko, 28, represents a real test for August. The Ukrainian will enter the 700-year-old medieval castle on the back four straight victories, including two stoppages inside the distance.

August’s manager Chris Sanigar, who has guided the Taunton contender to two professional titles, has warned August to expect a motivated opponent.

“Max is going to be a lot more attacking than his last opponent, it will make for a better fight,” Sanigar said.

“He’s definitely [coming with ambition], there’s a title at stake, so he’ll up his game.

“I’m looking for Pawel to be a little bit sharper, I’m looking for some class shots and combinations, and a little bit of an improvement in his ring generalship.”

Last summer Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions signed August to a deal that will see the Taunton man box on national television four times over the next 18 months.

Some fighters struggle to find their best form with the world watching on, but the 25-year-old - who's maturing into a force at 175 pounds - is able to take it all in his stride.

"I didn't feel any pressure, it felt so natural," he said.

"I did [feel pressure] during the build-up before I went to the venue.

"But as soon as I arrived at the venue, no pressure at all.

"It was a fight on TV, so maybe it should have given me some stress, but I felt absolutely fine.

"You just switch on and focus on your opponent, and I can't wait to do it again."

Signing a television contract during a pandemic - when TV companies and promoters have less money to invest in boxing - is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of August’s progress as a professional.

With the might of Queensbury behind him, Sanigar believes a win on Friday night could be the start of something special for Somerset’s leading fighter.

“I think Pawel could be a big name and I think he’ll get more and more exciting as he progresses,” August’s manager added.

“I can see him at a later date being the main event in a big venue.”

August would like to thank his sponsors: DSG - Close Protection, Growth Technology, Intense Nutrients, P&P Autos, Brendan Roofing, Animal Microchips

UPDATE: The fight had been due to be broadcast live on Boxnation, but it is now on Polsat Sport.