WARRINGTON middleweight Nathan ‘The Wire’ Wheatley is stepping up his training regime ahead of an anticipated third professional bout early next year.

The Padgate boxer remains unbeaten as a professional after a debut success against Dean Mitchell last year and a points win against Aaron Robinson in July.

But Wheatley, who spars with Martin Murray, is taking the opportunity to crank up his gym work after receiving the backing of the The Wire Pub and its landlord Nick Murphy.

It means the 27-year-old, who fights in Warrington Wolves’ primrose and blue colours, can afford to take more days off work to spend in the gym ahead of his next bout in boxing’s paid ranks.

“I’m due to fight early next year,” said the joiner, who also counts Rocky Fielding and Denton Vassell among his training partners at Oliver Harrison’s gym in Salford.

“Things have been going brilliantly since my last fight in July and the new sponsorship means I can have more days off work to train, which is a massive help.

“I’ll be stronger and fitter ahead of my next fight from having more days off work to train, rather than having to do both.”

Wheatley, whose last fight was part of a Harrison Promotions event in Manchester, expects to announce details of his next bout soon.