BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley talks to a man fighting for recognition. Two days before what could be the biggest night of his life Matthew Marsh is a relaxed figure. Dressed in several layers of clothing, he smiles.

As we sit together at his trainer Johnny Eames’ TKO gym office in East London’s Canning Town, the 27-year-old West Ham man is about to put the finishing touches to his preparations for a shot at his old British super-bantamweight title which he first won in June 2008 and never lost in the ring.

Standing between Marsh and the much coveted Lonsdale belt is Nottingham’s Jason Booth and several hundred of his fans all screaming for Matthew’s head inside the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre.

So what better way to prepare entering a fiery arena than training three times a day, including several miles of uphill and high altitude running with quality sparring in the sweltering heat of Tenerife.

Marsh, 13-1, hasn’t dramatically changed anything from his normal routine in the build-up for Booth, 34-5, but has been given vital keys for victory by his trainer Eames.. Team Marsh has been busy doing their homework ahead of the exam and Marsh was happy to share the lessons of his classroom designed to overcome a seasoned champion.

“My movement has got to be sharp because he (Booth) is quick. I am going to keep on him and when I have got to box, I will. Booth is the more experienced, while I am the fresher man. I think it will be an entertaining fight,” said Marsh.

Through the addition of a nutritionist teaching him how and when to eat Matthew expects to come into the bout feeling strong instead of looking drawn.

In the days preceding the first bell, Marsh usually spends time alone thinking about the fight. He gives his mind a break the day before by going to the cinema with his girlfriend. This time around it could pose a slight problem as he will be punching outside London for the first time since turning professional but he has no qualms having travelled around Europe as an amateur.

Matthew is talkative yet modest. Jason Booth or little else bothers him except the lack of recognition he gets from pundits. This has all the makings of a small hall classic and Marsh is confident of returning home a little heavier around the waist courtesy of a belt he will keep for good with a couple more victories.

It won’t be easy but if he pulls it off maybe, just maybe, Marsh will begin to get the credit he craves.