The heavyweight is one of eight boxers involved in Sky's Prizefighter II contest at the Metro Arena in Newcastle this Friday.

And he is so determined to succeed that he has packed in his job, to give himself a better chance of winning the trophy.

He told the Echo: "I really enjoyed the first Prizefighter night but the format is different to what you're used to as a boxer – a series of fights in one night – and looking back I felt as though I could have trained better.

"I work hard at my training but I think this is the way boxing is going - these big fight nights in a knock-out competition and I want to make the most of the opportunity this time around."

As well as giving his job up at a North East bakery, Ferguson literally went back to basics – revisiting his old army days.

Dave, 31, said: "There was a lot of publicity from the first Prizefighter series and I got an invitation from my old Regimental Sergeant Major to come and train with them if I wanted hot weather training.

"So I flew out to Cyprus and went training with the Second Battalion Fusiliers for a week. It was hard work and very hot but it was worth it.

"I wanted to be in the very best shape for the competition and I think I'm going to be. I gave up my job at the bakery because I needed to devote myself to this.

"I can get other jobs if this doesn't work out but for now the Prizefighter is the most important thing in my life and I'm desperate to win it."

Ferguson has a pro record of eight fights, one defeat and that defeat came in the original Prizefighter competition.

But the fighter's trainer, Tommy Conroy, is convinced he can go one better this time around.

He said: "Dave has trained very hard for this and there's no reason why he can't win it if he boxes right on the night."

The draw for Prizefighter Heavyweights 2 took place oin Friday and has pitted Ferguson against outsider Luke Simpkin from Derbyshire in their opening bout.

* Tickets cost between £25 and £75 (ringside), available on 0844 493 6666 or by visiting www.theprizefighterseries.com