Sutton boxer Craig Whyatt will be stepping into the unknown when he climbs into the ring for his fifth professional bout.

The unbeaten 23-year-old lightweight had been due to face Qasim Hussain on June 1 at the Camden Centre until the Sheffield man pulled out last week.

Then, on Thursday, Whyatt was told he would face Alex Phillips from Derby – and Whyatt instantly went online to check out his new opponent.

He said: “If you don’t know who your opponent is, it makes training tricky. “You would normally spar against opponents of the same style to help you prepare.

“But this way you have to rely on your confidence in your own ability. “You have to use the first round to suss out your opponent quickly and then build your game plan from there.

“But I am confident, and happy with the training we have done.”

Your Local Guardian: Craig Whyatt

On the money: Craig Whyatt training at Surbition Boxing Club SP76585

Whyatt, who is sponsored by Hagley & Warman, said: “Phillips lost his only professional bout, but that was by a single point, and he put his man down twice, so you cannot read too much into the defeat.

“He clearly has something about him.”

Whyatt is a relative new-comer to the professional circuit, having made his debut in November 2011, with a win over Robin Deakin, fighting out of Crawley.

He said: “I am finding my feet in the professional circuit, and starting to get more comfortable.

“I am looking to build up to six rounds – my manager wants me to do one more fight at four rounds and then make the step up.

“And training is getting better and better. “At the moment, I am building up the intensity ahead of the bout, really getting sharp and focused.”