Alan Minter, the former undisputed world middleweight champion from Crawley, believes his son Ross is a class act capable of carving out a successful professional career.

England amateur international Ross, 22, who started at Crawley, makes his pro debut at the same age his dad did when he appears on the undercard of the Jason Rowland/Ricky Hatton world WBU lightwelterweight title show at Wembley Conference Centre on Monday.

But his father, arguably Sussex's most famous and successful boxer, is reluctant to declare outright his son will follow in his footsteps to the summit.

He said: "Do I think he can make it? Yes, as long as he doesn't end up on the floor.

"When my dad was asked 'do you think Alan will ever make it?' he would never commit himself either.

"If Ross wants it, he knows what it takes to get to the top. He is not green and has been around good amateurs and professionals all his life.

"He has got the ability and class. He trains well, is dedicated and lives, sleeps and drinks boxing and you cannot say more than that.

"He'll be okay going pro. There's not a lot of difference going from amateur to pro whether it is three rounds or 15. You just train accordingly. It's all in your mind.

"There's nowhere for him to go as an amateur. He's done what he's had to do. He wanted to box in Sydney but missed out and it is pointless waiting another four years hoping to get to the Olympics. Qualification is so complicated."

Minter, of course, knows what it takes to be a champion. As we sat in the back bar of his occasional local on the Sussex borders, he all but closed the gap between his thumb and forefinger of his left hand to indicate the difference between a champion and an also-ran.

He said: "It is nothing except self-belief, a will."

But it is understandable Minter tempers any judgment of his son's boxing potential like any caring father trying to keep their child protected and grounded.

Yet it is more than filial duty. He has now become his son's boxing mentor in place of Doug Bidwell, the manager, father-in-law and friend who guided him from the Crawley club's Old Library gymnasium to super-stardom.

Sadly, Bidwell died aged 70 a year-and-a-half ago to leave the void Minter filled.

He is careful to get the balance right in the role.

Minter is concerned the presence of a famous father might cramp his son's style, allowing trainer Trevor Catthouse to train and joint managers Frank Warren and Frank Maloney to manage.

Minter said: "It must be a hard to deal with being known as 'the son of Alan Minter', but I want to help Ross.

"I go down to watch him spar occasionally, but there's no need for me to keep a close eye on him when he is training. He is a good trainer and has a good trainer in Trevor Catthouse now. It is simply if he needs me for advice and support, I'm there.

"When he makes his debut he may want me to come into the dressing room before the fight, he might not. We'll do what's right on the night."

But Minter revealed that as Bidwell guided Ross' amateur career, he was unaware of his son even boxing.

He said: "I never knew, believe it or not. I'd moved away (he had remarried) and, although I either spoke to him on the phone or saw him once a month, he never mentioned it. He was doing his own thing. I don't believe in being a pushy parent. Ross and I found out about how hard Ian Botham pushed his son Liam. I didn't want to do that.

"Then one day someone came up to me and said ' your boy is doing well' . That was two years ago.

"I didn't start to offer him advice. He was with his grandfather, probably the finest motivator and trainer in the world. There was no need, no problem."

Now there is plenty to bind Minter and son when they talk about the sweet science. Ross respects his dad's experience and knowledge, even if he doesn't always accept his word for it. As they proved when we met.

For instance, they agreed the 'no fear' facade is essential in the ring. But dad felt facial muscles could be relaxed to show hurt in sparring. Ross did not want to be seen the weakest link of two at any time.

Dad, a little greyer but still instantly instantly recognisable as the boxer who beat Vito Antuofermo for the world crown and faced Marvin Hagler, accepted his view and smiled.

He had got into an impish mood and the banter flowed as Ross adopted a more serious paternal role. There was no denying the bond.

Ross, who lives near East Grinstead, views his dad's presence and achievements as a positive.

He said: "When my grandfather passed away I was lost. We did everything together. He was my friend, grandfather and trainer. He even got me a job as a heating engineer and plumber with Haden in Haywards Heath. I was in shock, but that's when my dad got more involved. I needed someone there and now we are on our way together.

"My parents split up when I was young and when we spoke or met up I never mentioned my boxing because I didn't want the comparison of a famous father. It was something I was doing. He didn't know for six years.

"A lot of people say to me that I have a hard act to follow. They are worried about me being as good. But I say now 'not really'. All I am out there to do is my best, give 100 per cent and if I'm not as good as my dad so what? If I do half of what he's done I'd be happy anyway. I don't feel any pressure. I don't see him as a world champion, I just see him as some old fart!

"Doug said that after three fights my dad and I were on a par, maybe I had the edge. But he had around 160 amateur bouts, winning most of them, to my 50, losing eight on points. He started when he was 11, I was 14. You can't compare the experience.

"He does get very nervous at my fights. He will say ' keep your hands up, what if you go on the floor, what if you do this or that'. Because he's been there and done it he knows how hard it is. It's good to have him around."

The feeling is clearly mutual. The boxing Minters Mk 1 and Mk 11 are in tandem for the top.