RYAN Martin says sparring Lee Selby, the number one contender for the world featherweight title, has shown him the level that he needs to be at.

The 20-year-old travelled down to Newport at the weekend and got three hard rounds with the stylish boxer, who is mandatory challenger to IBF kingpin Evgeny Radovich.

The former England and Walcot amateur, who is preparing to face Kevin McCauley on the World Awaits bill on Friday, February 13 at the Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre, says that it was a great experience.

“To be honest it was a bit surreal,” Martin told the Advertiser. “I go to bed watching his fights on You Tube – I have so much admiration for how he fights.

“But when we got in the ring I didn’t show him too much respect – it was a real tough spar.”

As well as sparring Selby, Martin went toe-to-toe with talented unbeaten lightweight Craig Evans.

“Craig is a real awkward southpaw, whereas Lee was just liquid, against Craig we just went at it – it was tough.”

Having shared the ring with Selby and Evans, Martin says that he knows what he needs to do if he is to reach the level the two Welshmen are at.

“It showed me how fit you need to be to fight the 10-12 rounds that they are boxing,” the former junior ABA champion said.

“The volume of punches that is thrown is incredible – it is hard work.”

When Martin meets McCauley, a boxer he has been slated to face twice before, it will be his third outing in the paid ranks.

The welterweight prospect has been plagued by hand problems since turning professional last spring.

“The hands are brilliant at moment – I’m hitting really hard and there is no pain,” he said.

“I’m wrapping them up really well before training, really making sure that they are solid.”

As well as going down to Newport to spar with Selby and Evans, Martin has been working with stablemate Danny Bharj, who is making his professional debut on the same show against Dean Evans.

“It has been good sparring with Danny – we are old Walcot teammates,” Martin said.

“We know what we can both give and take – we hit lumps out of each other.”