JEFF Evans will be full of nerves at the weekend, but that has nothing to do with his bout against Sheffield’s Dean Walker.

The Pontypool super-middleweight, who won the Welsh light-heavyweight title against Shon Davies in Newport last month, is confident he can take care of journeyman Walker.

But the real worry will be that his wife Lauren gives birth to the couple’s second daughter while he’s in the ring.

“I’ve told her to keep her legs crossed until after the fight,” said the 28-year-old.

“She was at the last fight and it was lucky it didn’t bring it on then so she’ll definitely be at home this time.

“It’s due on Monday but it seems like it might come sooner so we’re a bit worried.

“Hopefully, she can wait until I get home at least.

“I’ll get an early spot on the bill and then be straight home to her.

“It’s only a four-rounder, a tick-over fight, and I don’t plan to be in the ring too long.”

Evans, trained by Gary Lockett, should have too much for 32-year-old Walker, who has lost 31 of his 46 fights, but he insists he won’t let events at home take his eye off the ball.

“He’s a tough guy who’s had a lot of fights so I won’t be underestimating him but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

“Jeff is progressing well,” said Lockett. “When he came to me he couldn’t throw a jab. He was a stiff-backed brawler who had no regard for what punches were coming back at him.

“He’s worked very hard, he’s an old-school pro who runs at 6am every morning, works all day, travels 40 minutes to the gym and doesn’t get home until 8pm.

“I’m sure Lauren would like to wring my neck but it’s paying off. He’s Welsh champion and he’s improving all the time.”

Top of the bill at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday night will be Newbridge’s Gavin Rees taking on Andrew Murray for the vacant EBU European lightweight title.

Chief support comes from Cefn Fforest’s Rob Turley as he takes on the unbeaten Carl Frampton in a Celtic super-bantamweight title fight and British title eliminator.

Tickets, priced £30 unreserved and £50 ringside, are available from the Motorpoint Arena box office on 02920 224488.