JOHN VAN EMMENIS will go face to face with Jamie Speight on a bumper night of boxing in Torquay on March 6.

The former Bideford amateur is aiming for his second win as a professional in a rematch with the Paignton fighter.

Van Emmenis said: "If I can get in his face and work harder, I think I can beat him.

"I think last time I gave him a bit too much room to showboat.

"He's got quick hands and he's quick on his feet but I wouldn't say he's overly strong.

"Last time he got tired and I was fitter than he was.

"He's undefeated and he's beaten me before so he's obviously the favourite."

The pair first met in a ferocious encounter at the Riviera International Centre in October when Speight won on points.

Deemed fight of the night by the passionate Devon fans, the rematch has been moved to the top of the bill for the Mayo Promotions show.

"Last time we weren't top of the bill but it was probably the biggest fight of the night," said Van Emmenis.

"Because he's from Torbay and I'm from Devon as well, we had good support. It's a good atmosphere at the Riviera Centre."

Since he turned pro in 2007, JVE has had his fair share of disappointments with a string of defeats in the lightweight division.

But that hasn't damaged the determination of the 28-year-old who had a huge following in his amateur days on the North Devon scene.

Now in the second year studying for a degree in children's PE in Plymouth, Van Emmenis has been balancing gym time with academic work. He aims to become a PE teacher

"I went to North Devon College and did a BTEC in sports science and it's something I've always wanted to do," he said.

"I always thought I'd have a go at the boxing and although it's not been as good as I wanted it to be, at least I have had a go.

"I've had 12 fights as a pro and only won one and drawn one.

"I would have loved to have done better and become a champion — I still want to do that — but at least I can look back and not have any regrets.

"I've travelled the country, I've boxed on Sky TV and I've met lots of different people."

A comeback victory on the Torquay show would certainly rank as one of his best achievements in the ring. To order tickets, call Van Emmenis on 07772 971623.