Ex-Pompey man all set for boxing bow

The city is throwing its weight behind the former Pompey defender as he steps into the ring as professional boxing returns to the city.

Support for the lightweight will make up the vast majority of the crowd at Liquid & Envy nightclub.

The 34-year-old made the grade for the Blues and Bournemouth, before playing on the local circuit.

Now the Leigh Park man is out to prove he can make his mark in the noble art against Latvian Antons Zacests.

Birmingham said: ‘I am really looking forward to it.

‘Training has gone great and I am learning the trade with every session I have.

‘When my coach asked me if I wanted to turn professional, I thought why not? It’s a brilliant opportunity.

‘I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been supporting me and giving me words of advice – it means a lot.

‘It’s nice to know so many people are looking out for you and want you to succeed.’

Birmingham has earned plaudits from his coach, Michael Ballingall, for the level of commitment he’s shown to making it as a boxer.

He admitted he is dreaming of title success but is keeping his ambitions in check for now.

Birmingham said: ‘To be honest, I am just going to take things one fight at a time and see how we go.

‘If I had to give you a specific aim for my career, it would be to win an area title ­– that would be great.

‘Firstly, I need to get through this fight and then maybe in a few fights, move up in rounds and then we can assess where I can go.’

- MATT HORAN