JOE HAM is ready for another moment in the sun - now he has a tan worth talking about.

The Gorbals fighter is preparing for his third bout since turning professional last year when he takes to the ring on May 2.

Having already recorded two knockout wins, he is relishing the prospect of making it a hat-trick in a matter of weeks.

Ahead of his debut pro match back in December against David Kvaratskhelia, the peely-wally Glaswegian feared for his pale complexion having previously fought in vests during his amateur days.

In an attempt to rectify the problem before pulling on just a pair of black shorts, Ham hurried off to lie on a sunbed to give him a bit more colour.

However, this time it is the real deal.

Ham and fellow Glasgow boxer Stewart Burt have recently returned from a training camp at Macklin's Gym in Marbella to get them both up to speed ahead of their respective fights on May 2.

And speaking to SportTimes, Ham explains it's not just his boxing talent that will be glowing in the Gorbals in little over two weeks' time.

"I looked a bit pale for my last two fights," said the featherweight.

"I was too white before so I hit the sunbed to give myself a bit of a glow.

"A few weeks ago though I was over in Marbella which was a nice bit of scenery and a good bit of extra training, and at least I've got a proper tan now!

"It was some hard sessions and good sparring but I want everything to be right.

"This is my third pro fight and hopefully it will be my third knockout."

Ham's opponent is expected to be confirmed next week. Yet it is of little relevance to a talented boxer armed with unshakable self-belief.

The Glasgow 2014 fighter is fuelled by a desire to be the best in the world, and his two pro KOs to date show there is little at this stage standing in his way.

Ham firmly believes that his style is suited to the professional game, and he is bullish at the prospect of underlining that point in two weeks.

"I was destined for professional boxing since I was 16-years-old," said the 23-year-old apprentice joiner. "I've never been suited to the amateurs which is all about being quick.

"I like to hurt people and grind people down. I love the ferocity of it all.

"It sounds bad because outside of boxing I'm the nicest guy you could meet, I don't bother about anything.

"But in the ring I just switch, I don't know what it is. I like to win, I like to hurt people, I like to look good and I like to make statements."

While a win in two weeks would certainly send one out to the boxing world about the up-and-coming fighter, Ham is even more keen to wow the crowd who come to see him in person.

Growing up in the Gorbals, his third pro fight will be the first time he has ever fought on his own patch.

And given he has boxed in Glasgow for Team Scotland at a Commonwealth Games, it underlines what Ham is all about when he holds up appearing at Gorbals Leisure Centre as a career highlight.

"I've been in the Gorbals my whole life so this is like a homecoming for me," he said.

"I've never boxed there before but everyone is coming along to support me. It should be a cracking night.

"Stepping into the ring there will be a great experience and I'm ready for it.

"Whoever is put in my way I'm sure I'll get round him. I'm not fussed. I'm on my path and I want to keep it going so I can do something in years to come."

Tickets for the fight night are still available from Morrison's Gym on 0141 554 7777.