A bloody nose cost Evans the chance of gold four years ago

Carmarthen-man Evans, 29, boasts bronze medals from the last two Games, a strange stoppage for a bloody nose costing him a chance of gold in 2002.

But he is hoping time in the ring with WBU cruiserweight champion Maccarinelli can take him that step further.

"Sparring with Enzo's really sharpened me up for the Games," said Evans.

Kevin just gets better all the time Enzo Maccarinelli

"I was impressed with how strong he was and how hard he punches to the body."

Swansea-man Maccarinelli, who is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Britain and who faces Mark Hobson in Manchester on Saturday, was equally impressed with his amateur opponent.

"Kevin just gets better all the time," Maccarinelli told BBC Sport Wales.

Wales coach Tony Williams has taken Evans and the rest of the boxing team to Thailand for 10 days to get used to the climate and time changes, and they will head to Melbourne a week before their events begin.

Kevin has to be favourite to win this time around, he's a brilliant amateur fighter Nicky Piper

In addition to his existing Commonwealth medals, Evans can boast a World Championship bronze medal from 1999, and a glut of domestic honours including gold at this year's Four Nations tournament.

He was in impressive form in the Manchester Games of 2002, before his highly controversial semi-final with eventual gold medalist David Dolan of England.

Evans had broken his nose at the 2002 British Amateur Championships and consequently suffered bleeding in all his Commonwealth bouts.

Amateur boxing explained

But in the first round against Dolan the referee deemed the blood flow too heavy and stopped the fight.

"Kevin was robbed of gold, it was a ridiculous decision in 2002," ex-British and Commonwealth light heavyweight champion Nicky Piper told BBC Sport Wales.

"But he has to be favourite to win this time around, he's a brilliant amateur fighter."