WELTERWEIGHT Ryan Martin has revealed his new-found confidence ahead of this weekend’s Fitzpatrick’s home show at the MECA.

Martin, 23, was set-back by a pair of confidence knocking defeats to Craig Morris (IBO Continental welterweight title) and Michael McKinson last year.

But with new additions to the team - still spearheaded by Paddy Fitzpatrick - behind his fight night preparations, Martin enters Saturday’s bout in a positive frame of mind.

He said: “Training has gone very well. I’m feeling surprisingly strong mentally.

“I’ve got new additions to the team behind me and it’s helped me both physically and mentally. The additions have been necessary.

“Others say boxing is 70 per cent mental, but myself and Paddy say it’s 100 per cent. You can get through a lot of things with a strong mentality.

“We held a show at the Mecca last year and it was a sell out. The support received from friends, family and fans has been unreal. Plenty of people are turning out on the night to support me.”

Unusually, Martin is unaware of who he will go toe-to-toe with come Saturday.

The Swindon boxer insists this has helped his preparation - ensuring he is focused more on his own performance than his opponent.

“There have been a few hiccups in the past year but I’m always training hard,” said Martin.

“I made a point of not knowing who I’m going to fight until the night.

“The fight is about me focusing on the job I’ve got to do. People see it as me being silly but it’s how I’ll box best.

“Last year I learn a lot about myself. I’ve definitely discovered areas I need to improve if I’m going to box at a high level.

“People around me have the belief that I can do that. It was bitter taking the losses as it’s something I’m not used to.”

As for the year ahead, Martin plans to stay as busy as possible - already eyeing four fights in his home town.

He said: “The plan is to stay as busy as I can. We have four shows booked this year and hopefully I can get on all of them. I’m still young as a fighter and myself and Paddy work well together. I’m comfortable and happy right now.”