SWINDON light-middleweight Craig Leadbeater has two reasons for marking Saturday, March 5 on the calendar, writes PETER FOLEY.

First of all he is making his professional debut on Keith Mayo’s seven-bout bill, the first staged at the new MECA venue in Regent Circus and the first professional card staged in the town for almost a year.

And secondly he will get his first taste of a curry for more than four months once the fight is over.

Leadbeater, 24, said: “Unlike many other sportsmen, boxers have be at peak fitness and reach a target weight when they arrive for a fight.

“And that means sticking to a very carefully controlled diet with all sorts of restrictions attached.

“One of the forbidden luxuries is having a curry whilst in training and that, I have to confess, is something I have really missed.

“But it could be worse, jockeys have to make even more sacrifices when it comes to food, so I cannot really complain.

The former Penhill amateur has also seen his opponent change - Ryan Clark was due to face him but now it will be Richard Troupe in the opposite corner.

Leadbeater said: “I don’t think it will make too much of a difference as both are orthodox fighters.

“Richard only turned pro last summer and has a win and a draw from four bouts, but both his defeats were on points.

“Naturally, I’ll show him respect but I have to focus on putting into practise what I have done in the gym.”

Tickets for the March 5 MECA bill start at £30 with a VIP package also available at £60.

Contact Keith Mayo on 07789 890453.