Maxwell bout ideal test for Lucas

South Coast boxer Mark Lucas will take a big step in his professional career when he takes on Kiwi journeymen Daniel Maxwell in his second pro bout at Bankstown on Friday.

With his Commonwealth Games pedigree, Lucas will start a heavy favourite against the 37-year-old (3-26) who has won his past two fights and boxed 149 rounds in his 30 pro bouts. Maxwell has shared the ring with the likes of rising stars Sam Ah See and Ahmed Dib, London Olympian Cameron Hammond and former Australian middleweight champion Nathan Carroll.

He's the type of journeyman that typically gives decorated amateurs problems as they enter the pro ranks and Lucas' coach Nudge Mieli said his charge certainly isn't taking the fight lightly.

"It's going to be a bit of a test this one," Mieli said.

"He's had 30 fights and while he hasn't won a lot of fights he's won his past two and he's a very tough, durable guy. The guy's experienced - he went the full six rounds with Sam Ah See who's undefeated and went six with Cameron Hammond as well. It's a big step up early, he's fought 149 rounds while Mark's notched three as a pro. These guys are the test for the new guys in the pro ranks."

Lucas has sparred several rounds at renowned trainer Billy Hussein's gym in preparation.

"This preparation has been better than our first one, he's trained extremely hard," Mieli said.

"The traits of his amateur days have started to fade which is good, he's making the adjustments I want him to. We've been fortunate to go up to Billy's gym and he's got a lot great pros up there.

"We've had some really good sparring with Troy Senior and Ahmed Did who's 15-0. Most of those guys are awkward and have really different styles, so you have to make adjustments and that's what we're expecting from this guy, he's going to be awkward."

Hussein is promoting the card at the Emporium Centre in Bankstown and has provided some valuable advice to the South Coast duo.

"Billy rates him, he said he's got all the skill and the toughness, it's about getting the right fights for him. Hopefully this year we get him five or six fights and then we'll start looking for bigger things."