Jon Fernandes’ trainer believes his charge can ‘exceed all expectations’ and become a champion if he continues to improve at his current rate.

Wayne Batten admitted to being ‘blown away’ by the levels which Fernandes is reaching, including a third round stoppage of Ivans Levickis on the Millbank Promotions show at Southampton’s Novotel.

It was a first bout since hand surgery for Fernandes, who now has eight wins from eight, and he looked better than ever as he mixed up his attack, showing great strength over his opponent and landing good combinations, including some punishing body shots.

The referee stepped in to wave off the fight midway through the third round as Fernandes unloaded a barrage of shots on Levickis after backing him up in a neutral corner.

Fernandes’ improvement has got the Millbank stable thinking they may have a special talent on their hands.

Batten said: “He’s blown my expectations away in terms of where I thought we could get to.

“I am now looking way beyond what I thought we could achieve with him and I think he could definitely be a champion in the making.

Full report and pictures of the Novotel show in today's Daily Echo