DANIEL GAUT will have a lot to fight for when he steps into the ring to take on Rees Cornell at Atik in Windsor on Sunday, March 5.

Gaut, 30, first took up boxing with the aim of getting fit and fell in love with the sport. He featured in two Ultra White Collar Boxing events before an appearance on a PowerBox Promotions show got cancelled before Christmas.

The Slough resident steps into the semi-professional game when he clashes with Cornell, where a win could see him given a shot at the heavyweight title.

“I know Rees as a friend of a friend but the fight will have a bit of spice to it. It’s heating up nicely and I’m 100 per cent going to win,” Gaut told the Observer.

“I’ve been training for a couple of weeks now and have a personal trainer who does my strength and conditioning. He has helped get Stanlee Wilson (a multiple British mixed martial arts champion) involved to do the boxing coaching.

“The fight is over three rounds and, if I win, I could fight for the heavyweight title in the summer. It’s a local show and a stepping stone for bigger things in the future. Not many people in boxing actually get to fight for a title so I’m looking forward to it.”

He added: “I just wanted to get fit and take on a challenge at the same time, but boxing is brilliant and I fell in love with it.

"The training is hard but rewarding at the same time. A couple of months ago I wouldn't have been able to do what I can now.

"When you're in the ring, with all the adrenaline, you feel it's pure excitement and all the nerves go out the window.

"When the bell rings, you know it's about to get real, so you have got to be sharp and ready because both boxers will want to win.

"It's a bit of a rollercoaster but a good one."

Despite stepping into the semi-pro ranks, Gaut will continue to raise money for Cancer Research through boxing after his mother-in-law was recently diagnosed.

“It has become closer to my heart and there’s a lot to fight for,” he commented.

Donations can be made at Gaut’s Just Giving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/Daniel-Gaut2

Tickets for the show in Windsor star at £25 and can be ordered at powerboxpromotions.com.