A BRADFORD duo are gearing up for homecoming fights in the city this weekend.

Zeeshan Khan and Jermaine Springer, who fight with Hull-based St Paul’s Gym, will take to the Bradford Hotel tomorrow night for the third bouts of their professional careers.

The pair, who trained as amateurs with Bradford’s Karmand Centre, have both won two professional fights in Hull. Their coach Paul Kershaw says that he is confident for the duo.

“The lads are really excited and they’re feeling good,” he said.

“They know they’ve got a job to do and they’re looking forward to it.

“They’re really talented fighters and it’s great to be part of their journey.

“Hopefully those who turn up this weekend will want to follow them too, and it will be fantastic to see where these two can go.”

A capacity crowd of around 700 is expected for the event, which will form part of a dinner boxing evening.

Khan is to fight Spaniard Reynaldo Cagina in the super-featherweight division, while light-heavyweight Springer is facing Latvian Jevgenis Andrejevs.

“These fights are to allow them to develop,” Kershaw said. “The fact that Zeeshan is fighting Cagina is testament to how he’s coming on.

“If there are any chinks in Zeeshan’s armour, this guy will find them, but I’m more than confident that Zeeshan will get the job done.

“For a big lad, Jermaine has great assets. He’s fast and strong and he’s got to keep building his confidence and he’ll get there.

“Jermaine’s not had as many fights as Zeeshan, so we’re taking it steadier with him. If he keeps developing, I’m sure he’ll be winning major honours soon.”

Kershaw added: “I want them to perform in front of a home crowd so that they can build up a profile.

“It’s great for Bradford to have two fighters coming through and flying the flag for the city.”

Khan is also expected to take to the ring in July and September before potentially fighting for his first title at the end of the year.

Also fighting on tomorrow night’s bill is Baildon cruiserweight Dan Garber. The 31-year-old, who is the nephew of former Bradford heavyweight Steve Garber, won on his professional debut in December and will fight Latvian Florians Strupits.

Garber, who fought with Bradford’s Platinum Gym as an amateur, played football with Springer at Eccleshill United as a youngster and is excited to continue competing alongside him.

“I know Jermaine from my football days and we also trained together as amateur boxers, so it will be good to watch him fighting,” Garber said.

The cruiserweight is also targeting continued success in the ring following his debut win.

“I’m more than confident for tomorrow night,” Garber said. “I’ve seen Strupits fight a few times and I don’t think he’s got the skillset to beat me.

“I don’t want to be a journeyman in boxing, I want to move quickly and win titles. It will be good to put Bradford back on the boxing map.”