SWINDON boxer Ryan Martin has not needed any extra incentive to hit the gym ahead of his next professional bout this weekend.

Martin faces off against South Africa’s Mziwoxolo Ndwayana at the Neilson Boxing-promoted Fight Town 3 show at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Saturday in an eliminator for the Commonwealth welterweight title.

Since losing a unanimous decision to Craig Morris for the IBO continental crown in December 2017, Martin has fought five times against less than stellar opposition.

The 25-year-old’s most recent outing saw him claim a draw against Ohio-kain Iremiren at Fight Town 2 in his home town back in September.

With the promise of greater prizes lying ahead after his showdown against Ndwayana, Martin says it has not been difficult to get himself up for battle.

“There is such a big incentive for this fight,” said Martin.

“The last fight was a difficult one because we had so many opponent changes through the training camp and it was all for no huge reward.

“This one is different. If we get through this one, we are a step closer to the Commonwealth title.

“It is definitely easier to get yourself up for a fight like this one.

“Those mornings when you wake up and you don’t fancy going to the gym or think you will struggle in sparring are a lot easier to push through when you know you are coming up against someone with quality and the incentive is there.

“You know the reward coming up at the end of it.”

With just a few days left before the fight, Martin says all the necessary preparations have been completed.

Under the guidance of trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick at his Ferndale Road Gym in the town, all that is left to do is ensure Martin has fine-tuned his strategy.

“I am feeling good,” said Martin.

“All the hard work is done and the weight is spot on, so everything is aligned for a successful night.

“It is just a case of going through everything mentally.

“You are not going to gain fitness in the last week, so it is a case of maintaining it and make sure your weight stays good.

“It is just a waiting game now.”