Nikki Bascome is ticking off the days on the calendar in eager anticipation for his first boxing bout in more than a year.

Bascome will step between the ropes to face journeyman Donny Miller in a six-round contest at the Berkeley Institute on Saturday, December 3.

It will be the first time Bascome has fought since taking less than three minutes to demolish Mexican Erick Reyes in his previous bout at the Fairmont Southampton 12 months ago.

Miller, of West Virginia, has 27 bouts under his belt and should offer Bascome a much sterner examination than his previous opponent.

Despite a losing record with just seven wins, Miller has boxed professionally since 2000 and will prepare for Bascome by facing prospect Dan Karpency, the brother of Tommy Karpency — a former light-heavyweight title contender — on November 18 in the United States.

Asked how he rates his next opponent, Bascome said: “I can’t rate my opponent because I don’t know much about him.

“I have just been focusing on myself and focusing on improving my craft. My preparations have been going very well and I’m just preparing for the best [Miller].”

Despite the long layoff, Bascome said he is in better condition and a smarter boxer than he was when he destroyed Reyes.

“The long layoff hasn’t impacted me in any way,” he said. “I’m still in shape and have improved a lot. I feel I’ve improved a lot on my power and my boxing intelligence.

“I’ve perfected my craft each day, pushing myself and taking in all the knowledge and advice from my coaches, so you will see an improved Nikki come December 3.”

Bascome, who will travel to Orlando in preparation for the bout for some quality sparring, said boxing in front of his own supporters provides him with an added incentive to put on an exciting show.

“I definitely enjoy fighting at home because of the support that you receive from the fans,” said Bascome, whose “Fresh & Hungry” brand will promote the event after Teachers Rugby Club opted not to hold their annual boxing night.

“To me it’s motivation to do my best, and I’m going to give my best in training and on the night to get the victory.

“I will be going back to Orlando to get some sparring in as usual. I just have to roll with the punches and keep a sharp mind.

“I just want to thank all my sponsors and also the people that you don’t see behind the scenes that support me.

“I’m very grateful for what they are doing.”

Bascome had been scheduled to face Guatemalan Juan Aguirre at the Berkeley Institute Gymnasium this summer, but the four-round bout was cancelled because of what organisers said were “circumstances beyond our control”.

The 26-year-old’s previous opponents have been Colombian George Quintero and Claudele Duprier of the US, two inexperienced pugilists, and mixed martial artists Joe Marchand-Tipping, of Ontario, and Reyes.

The card also features several amateur bouts, with Andre Lambe, Bascome’s stablemate at “Forty” Rego’s Gym, facing a second straight opponent from Baltimore Boxing Club, having beaten Dorian Bostic on points at Fight Night on the Beach at Snorkel Park in September.

Billed as “The Takeover”, the card also marks the return of Shannon Ford, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, after a two-year hiatus because of injury.

Undefeated Tyler Christopher, of Controversy Gym, will look to extend his five-bout winning streak against an overseas opponent.

In another mouth-watering fight, Robert Somner, of Controversy, will seek revenge against Zain Philpott, of BSA, after suffering a controversial defeat at Snorkel Park.

The contest was stopped by the referee early in the third and final round after an accidental elbow from Somner cut Philpott below his left eye.

In kick boxing, Samir Furqan and Krista Dyer, both of BSA, will face overseas opponents, while Team Oracle USA are expected to include a team of boxers after Jeff Causey, their rigger and wing project manager, debuted at Snorkel Park.