JAMIE Cox insists professional boxing has not seen the best of him yet but believes Saturday's six-rounder in Birmingham is his first chance to really shine.

The former Walcot man takes on Stourport's Billy Smith on the undercard of Amir Khan's clash with Michael Gomez, admitting he is needing some tougher tests.

The Swindon southpaw has won all five of his professional bouts comfortably to date but he knows it will take something special before the experts start taking notice.

With just 12 wins from 82 pro bouts, Smith should be no worry for the emerging Cox but the Commonwealth Games gold medallist insists the step up in distance will give him more chance to impress.

Previously Cox has only been tested over four rounds but he believes boxing for an extra six minutes is the chance he has been waiting for.

He said: "I don't think many people in boxing really know too much about me at the moment and that is fair enough because I haven't done anything yet.

"I understand professional boxing is a long game and it will take a while for me to really come to people's attention.

"This is perhaps a real chance though for me to do that.

"I want to go all six rounds so I can show what I can do. I think I am a better fighter over longer distances anyway and I always spar over eight rounds so the distance will be no problem."

While Smith's record suggests Cox will be celebrating his sixth consecutive win come Saturday night, Swindon's hot prospect insists it will be a step up.

"Smith is a tough fighter," he said. "He will probably be the toughest I have faced and I am looking forward to that.

"I want to start fighting better opponents because it is only then people will realise how good I am. Everyone has to be patient in the sport but hopefully things will change.

"Frank Warren knows what is best for me and at the moment he is making sure I get my boxing education. I have no problems with that but things can change quickly."

While a sell out crowd in the National Indoor Arena will mostly be there to cheer Khan on to another victory, Cox is hopeful a large share of the support will also be there for him.

He said: "It is like going back to my second home.

"Obviously I trained for my first year and a bit with Richie Woodhall in Birmingham and my friends will be there.

"I have spoken to a lot of people who will be going to cheer me on and it is something that will drive me on even more.

I am determined to put on a good show for them."