Despite being only three fights into his fledgling professional career, Henry Bacon faces what trainer Steve Spartacus has labelled a “crossroads fight” when he takes on Peckham’s Diego Burton, on December 3.

Bacon notched up his third victory when he beat Woking’s Hayden Chick in a below-par performance on points, last weekend, but returns in a pivotal fight in just over a fortnight’s time at the world-famous York Hall, in Bethnal Green.

Should Bacon defeat Burton, who is also unbeaten (2-0-1), he will win a deal with up-and-coming small hall promoter Steve Goodwin and be given the pick of the matchmaker’s shows, predominantly at York Hall, in 2012.

Bacon has been preparing for the bout with Burton by sparring with unbeaten middleweight prospect John Ryder and is raring to go with so much riding on the fight.

“I have got the bit between my teeth and I did not perform to my potential on Sunday,” insisted the Ipswich-based fighter.

“I wanted to be in the gym the next day after the fight but I am the sort of person to take the positives out of everything and had I taken Chick out early I may have gone into the Burton fight over-confident.

“I don’t think Burton has got enough in his locker to beat me. I think I can walk through him but he is unbeaten and I will have to give him the respect he deserves being unbeaten.

“He is the sort of opponent I need to be fighting and I want to earn my crust. I don’t want to be fighting lads with losing records.”

Bacon’s preparation for all his fights so far has been overseen by former professional Steve Spartacus and the 35-year-old is pleased with his protege’s progress.

“I am quite happy with Henry’s progress and the sparring he has done has been second-to-none,” he said.

“His next fight is a clash of the prospects and a crossroads fight where both boxers will be going for it.

“The match-up is a gamble so early in his career but we are looking to get Henry a promotional deal and if he can go in to that with a 100 per cent record of four or five fights then we are prepared to take that calculated risk.”

Bacon will be taking around two coach-loads of supporters to Bethnal Green on December 3 but tickets can still be purchased from the boxer by contacting 07584437615.

Bacon would like to thank First-Stop Travel in Bury St. Edmunds for providing transport at short notice for his fans for the last fight.