After claiming a unanimous victory in his maiden professional kickboxing bout, Ainsley Stephenson is clear what he needs to do if he is to continue his progression.

The Garston fighter puts his unanimous decision win against Tom Patsalides down to dedication in training.

Having not fought at any level before, Stephenson says this preparation meant his first professional bout was a formality.

“This was my first ever fight, but I have been training hard to prepare for it, training twice a day,” he said.

“I felt pretty confident. The gym where I fight with is a very good gym and we work with some of the best people in the country.

“I knew I was well prepared for it and it meant I was able to deal with any of the nerves I did feel.”

Stephenson is a member of Edgware’s Knowlesy Academy and has progressed rapidly to claim the win at the Watford Colosseum.

The 23-year-old has been competing in the K1 category of the sport for a year, but says a combination of natural ability and commitment have helped his growth.

“The club has helped and the way they support their fighters is very good, no matter what their ability,” he said.

“I have taken to it quite easily. I have always gone to the gym and been naturally flexible, naturally athletic and strong.

“I’ve only been at the gym since last summer but I’m loving it – you’ll be seeing me again.

“I started training once a week, then three times a week and stepped it up again when I heard about the fight. It has become a bit of an addiction almost.

“There is a really good atmosphere at the gym and we have a young group of fighters who are only going to get better.”

Stephenson’s appetite to fight again is undeniable, but he will have to wait to do so, with meets few and far between, despite kickboxing’s increasing popularity.

An October date, once again in Watford, could well provide the next chance to enter the ring, but he hopes to fight before then.

He is in no mood to let up, however, and even downtime is used as a chance to improve on his skillset, with a trip to Thailand doubling as a training camp.

“I’m heading out there in three weeks and using it as a chance to train as well,” he said.

“I’ll be doing two sessions a day and it is just about trying to master my craft because I want to make a name for myself in the sport.

“People out there have been doing it since as early as they have been able to fight. They are the elite, so I can learn a lot from going there.”

When he does make his second professional appearance, Stephenson is sure to be prepared.

With just a solitary fight under his belt, it would be foolish for Stephenson to get carried away and he keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to discussing his bigger goals.

What is certain is Stephenson will not fall short of his ambitions due to a lack of work ethic and is willing to put in the hard yards demanded of any professional sportsman.

He said: “It is so early, so who knows where I can go with it. I am confident in myself and am going to dedicate myself to it.

“The more dedication I show the further I will be able to take it. At the moment it is about working hard and not focusing too much on where it could take me.”