NEWPORT amateur boxer Neil McLoughlin got a taste of the big time this week with a sparring session against Blackwood pro Hari Miles.

Former Team Calzaghe fighter Miles, who now trains at Victoria Park ABC in Cardiff, dropped into the Alway gym in Newport on Monday to spar with local hopefuls.

And 20-year-old McLoughlin, who trains at Alway with former British champion Steve Sims, was delighted to get some ring time with a professional.

“It was a great experience to spar with Hari,” said McLoughlin, who takes on Tim Kembel in Cardiff on Saturday.

“I’m hoping to go to the Olympics in London in 2012 and then maybe turn professional so getting the chance to trade blows with a pro was very valuable,” he added.

McLoughlin started boxing aged 16 and after a two-year break he returned to the sport last August, winning five of his seven bouts since then.

“I enjoy working with Steve, he really gets you in good shape” he explained. “Hopefully that will do me good in the next few years.”