Connor Vian is enjoying getting rounds under his belt and has targeted a title fight by the end of the year.

The Colchester-based welterweight, who is a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, boxes for the third time in the paid ranks at Braintree Leisure Centre on June 3, against a yet-unnamed opponent.

The 24-year-old fights on the same bill as Ipswich heavyweight Fabio Wardley and is keen to enhance his reputation in the coming weeks and months.

“The key is to keep gaining experience and obviously come away with the win,” explained Vian, who splits his time between trainer Russell Smith at Champions Gym in Colchester, and Kickstop Boxing in Norwich, under trainer and manager, Graham Everett.

“I am looking to progress to a six-round fight next time out and by the end of the year I want to be fighting for a Challenge belt – an eight-round fight – and get my name out there.”

Vian began his professional career with a points win over Ali Wyatt, in London, last December and followed that up with a victory against Duane Green at The Halls, in Norwich, back in March.

“I boxed really well last time out and the bloke I came up against was a bit bigger and heavier than me and had been in the ring with some good opponents,” added Vian, who is constantly in good shape because of his profession.

“I stay fit all the time, given the nature of my job, but the training camp and the sparring has gone really well – I feel fitter and stronger than ever.

“There will always be things I can do better, I am not perfect and there is always room for improvement.”

Vian fights for the first time in Essex since turning pro and is looking forward to the night.

“It is more local for me this time, but I am from all over the place and anywhere suits me,” enthused Vian, who was born in Croydon.

“I should have some of my work colleagues cheering me on but some of them are away doing different things.

“But I seem to get a bit of interest in me because of the job I do – people will come to watch me for that reason, as I am doing two hard jobs at the same time.”