UNBEATEN Gwent featherweight Jamie Arthur believes he will better be able to gauge his progress after his fight with a former French super-bantamweight champion at the Newport centre on Saturday.

Cwmbran-based former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Arthur, winner of all his seven bouts to date, has not fought anyone of Frederik Bonifai's ability so far.

The 34-year-old has won 27 of 47 contests with 17 defeats.

Bonifai lost on points for the European Union featherweight title, five times for the French featherweight title and three times for the super-bantamweight title and is a very durable opponent.

"It's a big step up in class," admitted 24-year-old Arthur, "but he's had 17 losses whereas I haven't lost yet. He's got the mentality of losing and I haven't.

"He's fought some good British boys too in Michael Brodie and Roy Rutherford. Rutherford stopped him in four, Brodie in five.

"So if I can go out there and do as good or better than them it will stand me in good stead."

Arthur wanted to take a step up - against people of his own weight.

"Tony (trainer Tony Borg) has been saying I could do with a step up.

"The people I have been fighting have been heavier than me so I couldn't really gauge myself.

"I want to test myself against people at my weight, so this is a good move.

"We've worked hard in the gym and I feel nice and sharp. I've done an endless amount of rounds of sparring with Bradley Pryce so I just want to get in there and do it on the night now."

Arthur has seen a tape of the Frenchman and has been quite impressed, but believes he can win his first six-rounder.

"He throws a lot of punches and he's very busy and it's a just a question of setting everything up from my boxing ability," said Arthur.

"We've been working a lot on my boxing skills, working behind the jab, rather than getting in there and just trying to have a tear up.

"I don't need to have a tear up. I'm not that kind of boxer. But if the opening comes, believe me I will take it. "This is the last fight of the season until September so we are going to finish with a bang hopefully."