Patrick Mendy can be Commonwealth champion - Jim Evans

Mendy has won five of his nine professional bouts so far

Maidenhead boxer Patrick Mendy has the potential to be Commonwealth champion, according to his coach Jim Evans.

The 19-year-old super-middleweight is competing in the Prizefighter series at York Hall, Bethnall Green next week.

Evans, who coached former British heavyweight champion Michael Sprott, believes Mendy is very talented.

"I think he's the best fighter I have ever had and I've had 66 years in the game, so I think this kid can go a long long way," he told BBC Berkshire.

"Stepping up to the world stage is tough but I predict that he will be Commonwealth Champion in two years time.

"If he gets exposure next week and does very well I might get him a sponsor and then we take off and it's as simple as that."

Mendy must win three three-round bouts, starting with Sam Horton, to clinch the Prizefighter series title and Evans believes the youngster can succeed at York Hall.

"If I'm being honest about it, we got the luck of the draw. I think he'll walk through Horton. As a matter of fact I'm confident we'll get to the final - I've had a big bet on him winning it," he said.

"It's all crash, bang, wallop, no messing about. All the art goes out the window. You've got to stand there have a fight - it's that sort of competition."

Mendy's record at the moment is five wins and four losses, but Evans says you cannot read much into that.

"He's had to fight all the top fighters and he's only 19," he added. "James DeGale has turned him down, George Groves has turned him down three times - we can't get him a fight.

"He's a tremendous talent no doubt about it and he's got the arrogance that you need to go all the way, he's that type of fighter.

"He's so confident in his own ability, but he's also a great learner. He'll make a mistake in a fight and he'll rectify it right away.

"As he says, 'Jim I can't afford to fail'. He's totally dedicated to the game makes no excuses. He gets in and spars with everybody including Michael Sprott - absolutely fearless."