TYRONE NURSE will take on Slovakia’s top light-middleweight boxer in Thursday’s hometown show at the Cedar Court Hotel.

Julius Rafael will arrive at the Ainley Top venue for Huddersfield ace Nurse’s first fight since winning the British Masters title last month.

It’s a step into the unknown for the 20-year-old with the 100% record, because he hasn’t faced an opponent from outside Britain in any of his previous 14 bouts.

Rafael, a 26-year-old nicknamed ‘Chita’, has been beaten in 31 of his 38 outings, but Nurse’s trainer is taking nothing for granted.

“Records can be deceptive, because you don’t know the level of his opponents,” he explained.

“What you can see is that Rafael has plied his trade all over Europe, facing fighters in their own backyards, so coming over here won’t be a worry for him.

“Tyrone has prepared well, and he’s in very good condition, but he certainly won’t take this fight lightly.”

Nurse, 20, is one of three from Aston’s Linthwaite stable appearing.

Huddersfield super-middleweight Jason McCalmon aims to follow-up his debut stoppage win over Doncaster’s James Tucker last month at the expense of experienced Welshman Jamie Ambler.

And Halifax-based welterweight Liam Walsh puts his 100% record on the line in his fifth fight against Middlesbrough’s Phil Boyle in what looks like being a crowd-pleaser.

“Boyle’s been talking up his chances, and to be fair, he always comes for a scrap,” added Aston.

For ticket details, ring Aston on 07917 881114.