The undefeated super welterweight prospect has won five of his six professional outings to date in his home county of Gloucester – one in Tewksbury, two at Hatherley Manor and two at the G1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester.
This weekend, the 28 year-old goes back to school to do battle with Estonia’s Sergei Melis in what he expects to be the last hometown fight.
“My camp has been a long one but I’m feeling super fit now,” Harper told uko-boxing.com. “Other than the odd day, I’ve been in the gym almost full time throughout 2016. I’ve trained like a mad man.
“I had my last spar over the weekend and did my last run yesterday morning. I love fighting in Tewksbury but I think the time is right to get on the road a bit more and chase the bigger fights.
“My support is phenomenal. My fans are the best boxing. They will be here in massive numbers this weekend and, hopefully, they will support me around the country.
“I have to box out of Tewkesbury, I want those TV fights. I have to take the risk.”
Melis will present a tough test for Harper when the pair clash at Tewksbury School on Saturday evening. The 34 year-old has a winning record having won more fights than he’s lost. He’s boxed for IBF and WBC belts and has shared a ring with Vyacheslav Senchenko, the man who retired Ricky Hatton back in 2012.
“He’s been in with some good fighters,” Harper added. “He will be a test for me but it’s one I’m relishing. I don’t think any fighter is fitter or more dedicated than me so I’ll go into the ring full of confidence.
“I want to give the fans a show. I want to sign off from fighting in Tewksbury in style.”
Tickets are £50 VIP or £30 standard for Western Country Boxing’s ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ show, sponsored by Warners Motor Group, and are available by calling 07772 466 790.
Undefeated Swadlincote super middleweight, Zach Parker, and undefeated West Bromwich super featherweight, Jack Summers, also feature.
