Billy Morgan (second from left), with trainer Mark Tibbs, Danny Connor and Alec Wilkey at the Trad TKO Gym in Canning Town

Billy Morgan after pro win number eight when he takes on experienced campaigner Gavin Reid next Thursday.

Canning Town boxer Billy Morgan may still be making his name in the professional arena but he is determined to make it win number eight when he faces experienced Gavin Reid at York Hall next Thursday.

Lightweight Morgan, 22, has enjoyed a great start to pro life and though in Reid he comes up against someone 12 years his elder, he will not let that get in the way of what he hopes is his latest success.

“Others may have more experience than me, but I’ve been sparring well and although some of the boys are bigger than me I am showing a lot of maturity,” said Morgan.

“I’ve seen him and he will be a tough customer, he has got good stamina and will be strong so I know I’ll be in for a tough one.

“Training has gone really well and I’m pushing myself really hard. Before I fight I usually step up the training and then bring it right down before the fight.

“The intensity of sparring and running has been there and I have been very busy making sure I am in the best shape possible for the fight.”

All of Morgan’s successes as a pro have been at York Hall and the Jimmy and Mark Tibbs hope has a lot of time for the venue, believing it brings the best out of him.

“There will be big support there and the venue has played a huge part of my boxing career already. I won my first ever title there so it will always be a memorable place,” he added.

“The atmosphere of when that place is buzzing is amazing and at times it can give you that extra boost when you’re in the ring when everyone is cheering for you. It’s like the 12th man at football.”

Morgan is unbeaten in his seven previous pro fights at York Hall, and has an air of confidence, but knows the fine line between confidence and cockiness.

“Mark and Jimmy have given me massive confidence going into the fight,” he said. “Obviously going into the ring unbeaten gives you a sense of confidence but you always have to be focused.

“Being unbeaten brings its own pressure and there’s a fine line between confidence and over confidence.”

Reid goes into the fight off the back of 13 straight losses after a promising start to his career which saw him win six of his first nine bouts.