CANVEY Island’s Mike Hales is heading to the very top of MMA, according to Team Sure Grip owner Dan Burzotta.

Hales regularly trains with the well-respected Burzotta at his Westcliff base.

And he is backing Hales to again make a big impression at UWC’s latest fight night at Southend’s Garon Park later this month.

“In my eyes, Mike has a God given talent and with the right training I think he will go far in the sport,” said Burzotta.

“I’ve been training Mike at TSG since he was 12 years old under the watchful eye of his mother who was a kickboxing champion in her own right.

“He will be fighting K1 at UWC and there will be fireworks as Mike’s style is very explosive.”

The Canvey-based Hales, who trains mainly at the SS8 gym with his mother Diana Sigston, has won all three of his previous bouts.

And while his opponent has yet to be sorted for his next fight, the 19-year-old is confident of again coming out on top.

“I’ve been pleased with my first three fights and I’m starting to feel more relaxed about it now,” said Hales.

“I’m really looking forward to going out there and showing all the hard work I’ve been putting in which makes me me confident about winning too.”

Hales first started training at the eight of age before he opted to step things up seven years later.

And he is determined to become a big success in the sport.

“My long term goal is to compete in the UFC,” he said.

“I will put everything into getting where I want to be in the future as well.”

As a result, Hales continues to train tirelessly but he also remains on the look-out for a sponsor who can help him dedicate even more time to achieveing his ambition.

“Sponsorship would help me pay for training and would mean I was able to go away to training camps to make myself a better fighter,” said Hales.

“If anyone was able to help then it would be brilliant.”

However, among those already supporting Hales are former IBO Welterweight champon Georgie Smith, who is also from Canvey.

He regularly puts Hales through his paces at the SS8 gym and will also be in his corner for his next fight, which Smith believes will be another step towards the top for the Seevic College student.

“I believe Mike is the real deal and hopefully soon his commitment and dedication will pay off for him,” said Smith.

“As soon as I started training at SS8 I recognised Mike’s potential straight away and his dedication and passion for the sport. He is an inspiration not only to the children there but also to the adults including myself and I really enjoy working with him.”

l To secure tickets for the next UWC fight night at Garon Park on Saturday February 28, visit www.uwcmma.co.uk. Anyone interested in sponsoring Hales can contact him via the Echo on 01268 469307 or chris.phillips@ nqe.com