October 24 is a huge night for Josh Wale for two reasons. The Brampton featherweight, 27, is fighting in a British title eliminator at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on the undercard to Kell Brook's televised world title defence. It is the same day that his wife Melissa is due to give birth to their second son.

Wale says he will box regardless of whether Melissa is in labour or not but hopes his son can arrive before he enters the ring with Nottingham's Leigh Wood. He told the Chronicle: "It would be perfect if he was born in the next week. "But, if anything does happen on the day, I'm still going to fight.  I'm a professional boxer and it's what you have to do. I am a hands-on dad and I'd love to be there and, as long as it's not on fight night, I will be."

Given Wale's all-action style, it probably wouldn't be the best idea for Melissa to go to the fight. He joked: "She gets het up when I'm fighting so, even if the baby hasn't been born before then, I'm sure it will be on the night."

Wale says Melissa always knew what she was letting herself in for when she started going out with a boxer. Their eldest son Mikey, 22 months, is already in the gym and showing an interest in taking up what's become the family sport after Josh's brothers Gwyn and Dempsey both boxed under the guidance of their dad and trainer Mick.

Wale added: "Melissa knew she wasn't going out with a normal lad from the start. She's been understanding about it. "Mikey already comes to the gym and it's just the way it is in the family."

Wale – who has twice missed out on the British title – says his preparations for the fight have gone perfectly. He said: "I haven't sparred anyone that famous because I am experienced enough. I've been sparring loads of kids. All I'm doing is sharpening up the tools."