EAMONN O’Kane is determined to put on a good show for the people of Swindon when he headlines at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Friday, February 13.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist will face Welsh middleweight champion Frankie Borg on the ‘World Awaits’ bill in his first fight since teaming up with Ferndale Road trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick.

The 32-year-old middleweight from Northern Ireland, who is currently ranked eighth by the IBF, has taken himself away from his wife and two young sons in Dungiven to base himself in Swindon as he continues his path towards a world title shot.

And since arriving at Fitzpatrick’s gym, O’Kane says that he has been overwhelmed by the reception he has been given by the Swindon locals.

“It is tough being away from my wife and two boys - that is the negative - but the positive is that I’m in a really good place with Paddy and the boys (Luke Watkins and Garvey Kelly),” O’Kane said.

“Frankie Borg has got my respect. He has beaten some good boys.

“I’m looking forward to doing a good job and I’m looking forward to doing a job for the Swindon people and my fans.”

When the current IBF inter-continental and WBC Silver International champion clashes with Borg next month, O’Kane will also get the chance to avenge his defeat to the Welshman in the amateurs.

“Boxing wasn’t my full priority then. It wasn’t until I actually committed to boxing that I took it 100 per cent serious. I have improved a hell of a lot since then,” said ‘King Kane’.

“He (Borg) has a good pedigree and a good international career. He is at a good gym with a good coach and he has beaten Kerry Hope, so it will take a good performance from me on the night.”

Having been working with Fitzpatrick since last year, the 10-round clash with Borg will be the pair’s first outing together and O’Kane says that he has learnt so much since basing himself in Ferndale Road.

He said: “I’m being pushed hard - every day is work and dedication.

“Rubbing shoulders with George Groves and Garvey too; he is talented lad.

“He says that he is learning off me but I’m learning some of the good ring generalmanship off him.

“Luke Watkins is a fantastic athlete too - the gym is on a high and I’m looking forward to doing good things on February 13.”

Lawrence Bennett's first Southern Area cruiserweight title defence against Jamie Hearn will take place at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Friday, March 13.