It’s not only boaties that get up at six in the morning. That is an everyday reality too for Robinson second year Elliot Chambers, the University’s representative at welterweight for Friday’s Town v Gown fixture at the Guildhall.

Chambers’ routine has a religiosity about it. "I’ve had to lose six kilograms for this bout, meaning morning runs and a very restrictive [sic] diet" he laments. Indeed, as I speak to him he is picking from a black bean tofu salad, no bigger than a child’s ration. But why on top of all the other stresses of the Cambridge term does he put himself through it all? " It’s about the recognition and respect" he tells me, "boxing takes a stoicism and determination which some people don’t understand. You really have to be brave to step in that ring".

This will be Chambers’ second Town vs Gown bout. He fondly remembers his points victory against a Metropolitan police officer last year. However with the Varsity fight only just around the corner, his training this year bears no comparison. "I’ve stepped it up this year. Last year I’d go for a run maybe twice a week. This year I’m running every day and I’m upping my performance each time I go to training".

In fairness to the part one Geographer, he has not done what many would have done and rested on his laurels. Indeed he comes across as refreshingly self deprecating. "I was probably lucky to win last year," he admits, "it could have gone either way. But my aim this year is to make sure that by the end of those three rounds the judges can only score it in my favour".

Taking the summer out to box in Cuba and the famous Gleason’s gym in New York was a real turning point. Chambers believes he has returned a slicker and more experienced fighter. His time spent in the ring with former coach of the Cuban Olympic team Profesor Miranda gave him the chance to rework entirely, amongst many things, his approach to defence. Imprinted on him now, he feels, is his coach’s mentality. "Miranda would constantly repeat the same thing to me, ‘siempre amplio’. What he meant was that there’s not just one way to box, you need to think big in the ring and be ready to surprise your opponent."

The change of venue, from the Royston Hotel to the Guildhall has been warmly welcomed by all, with tickets selling out almost two weeks in advance. The new venue promises to provide an thrilling atmosphere for the event. Chambers too is excited by the new City Centre location. "It’s a great thing for the boxing club," he says, "Royston was a great venue in itself but now we’ve got the guildhall we can really pack it out with a students, many of whom will have never watched boxing live".

Last year Cambridge University Amateur Boxing Club slipped to a narrow 4-5 loss. The fixture is sure to be as close this year though Chambers is confident that the team is capable of coming away with the spoils. He tells me of the boxers to look out for. Former captain Chris Webb is an obvious choice along with ex-national boxer Rich Simpson.

However it is the appearance of Kevin Morgan that is particularly noteworthy. The 37-year-old ex-City lawyer will be stepping back into the ring wearing Light Blue for the first time since returning to academia. For those lucky enough to have got their hands on a ticket, the action starts tomorrow night at 7pm.