Dean Larter can take a huge step on the road to becoming a professional this weekend.

The 25-year-old Brighton light-welterweight fights in the final of the English Novices Championship in Pontefract, Yorkshire, on Saturday.

Victory in his showdown with Steve Brookes would allow Larter to be entered for the full English ABAs in February.

Larter, who fights for Savages ABC, said: "I would like to turn professional at some point. If I win this, it is a stepping stone for me.

"I am looking forward to it. My opponent fights similarly to me and it will to come down to whoever wants it most."

The Novices Championship is for boxers who have had no more than ten amateur bouts when the competition gets underway.

Larter, who now has a record of eight wins from 12 bouts, has been impressive in his progress through the rounds.

He started boxing three years ago and has made rapid improvement under trainer Keith Funnell.

"I have given a lot to the sport and made a lot of sacrifices. I train most days but it will be worth it in the long run.

"I lost to the eventual winner in last year's competition. In fact, I have only ever lost to champions. I always felt I could go all the way and win it."

If Larter is to win in Yorkshire, he must master the controversial scoring system which denied Savages clubmate Steve Reed what looked a certain victory in the quarter finals last month.

Larter, an ashfelter by trade, said: "Steve should have been in the final. He was unlucky with the scoring. I was confident he had won but that is computer scoring.

"It makes it different from professional boxing. It is all about clean punches landing. You have to change your style and make sure the punches you throw are clean shots.

Trainer Funnell has warned Larter to be wary of Brookes, who comes from Wombwell in Yorkshire.

Funnell said: "I have told Dean he will have to be clever. He should win but anything could happen on the night."