RICHARD Farnan believes that Kelly Morgan can become a figure head for female professional boxing.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games javelin bronze medallist will fight for her first professional title in only her fourth contest when she tops the bill at the Oasis Leisure Centre on March 12 as she boxes for the WBC Silver middleweight crown.

With interest growing in the Swindon-based fighter, Farnan feels that the 35-year-old, who also represented England in netball, can help bring female professional boxing to the fore.

“Kelly can really make a difference for female boxing and for in females sport,” Farnan told the Adver.

“There are certain individuals in different sports around the world that stand out in their field.

“Kelly is one of them at this moment in time a long with your (the first female boxing Olympic gold medallist) Nicola Adamses, (heptathlete) Jessica Ennis-Hills – people look up to them and aspire to be like them.

“Kelly is one of those characters.”

Despite not originally coming from Swindon, Morgan regularly calls the town her ‘hometown’ and the trainer is delighted to see how Swindonians have got behind the former senior sergeant in the Army Physical Corps.

“Her fan base, which is growing and growing, are so supportive. We are so grateful for everyone that is behind Kelly” Farnan said.

“It is also testament to Kelly as a person and as a character.

“She is a people’s person, the support from the people in Swindon, her family and friends from wider a field and the media – yourselves, Sky Sports, Boxing News - is brilliant.

“It is great (that Kelly is topping the bill), people will be coming to see Kelly.

“They will buy tickets to see (training partners) Ryan (Martin) and Danny (Bharj), but they are coming for the main event.

“Sometimes they buy a ticket to see Ryan and then go home, which happens a lot – this time they will be buying tickets to watch Ryan but then staying to see Kelly fight, which is fantastic.”

With no opponent confirmed for the show - Georgian Elene Sikmashvili was denied a visa - Morgan, who has just returned from the WBC Female Convention in Mexico, will make the step up from six to 10 rounds this spring for her title fight, but Farnan has no concerns.

“She is mega fit anyway,” the trainer added.

“She did six intense rounds with (WBC super-welterweight world champion) Mikaela Lauren last week and she got out and was fine.

“Kelly then did six rounds on the pads with me and two on the bag, we will be ready on the night.

“There will be a green belt staying in Swindon and wrapped around Kelly.”