New London's Cassius Chaney has been a professional boxer for less than two years. He’ll reach two years in the business on Monday.

One doesn’t succeed in combat sports without confidence where one’s mettle is tested with every punch they take, and Chaney believes in himself despite being still new to the craft.

“I’m probably the best athlete in boxing today in terms of overall athletic ability,” Chaney said. “There are guys who are talented. …. but I can do so many different things if I wanted to. That’s the benefit for me being able to get into boxing as a heavyweight.

“Some guys in the heavyweight division are not really athletic. They’re strong, and big. For me, over time, I’ll get better and will be the total package. I’m learning on the job right now.”

Chaney gets to prove himself — and show what he’s learned — this Saturday when he fights on the undercard of the Mohegan Sun's Rising Stars Boxing Series at the Convention Center and Uncas Ballroom.

Chaney, 29, will face Juan Goode of Taylor, Mich., in a six-round bout. WBC United States light heavyweight title champion Sullivan Barrera faces Paul Parker in the main event. Doors open at 6 p.m.

It’ll be Chaney’s third fight in four months. He won a six-round majority decision over Tommy Washington Jr. on March 10 in Philadelphia.

“I’m trying to pick it up a little bit,” Chaney said. “Let’s step this thing up so I can get better and improve. One of the biggest areas in improvement has been I’m more comfortable in the ring. I’ve been sparring with better guys and sparring more confidently.”

Chaney used to show off his athleticism on the basketball court. He made 9 of 13 field goals and finished with a game-high 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists to lead Old Saybrook to a 69-49 win over Wamogo in the 2005 CIAC Division IV championship game. It was the Rams’ first state title since 1942.

Chaney played at the University of New Haven and led the team in rebounding in all four seasona. He was the team’s leading scorer for three seasons.

The allure of boxing eventually took hold of Chaney. He’s 9-0 with five knockouts and, at 6-foot-6, is a giant among heavyweights.

“Most heavyweights are late starters,” Chaney said. “Wladimir Klitschko has been doing this since he was 20, but there are not too many guys like that. So it’s not a big thing.”

Chaney has spent the last five weeks in Boca Raton, Fla., being trained by John David Jackson. This will be the third match that the two have worked together.

“He’s like a player’s coach,” Chaney said. “Sometimes a trainer makes you fight injured. I have a great pain threshold, so if I tell him that I’m not feeling good, he understands.”

Goode, 33, has an 8-4 record with six knockouts. All four of his losses were by decision.

“I know this guy is good, but I don’t think he’ll be able to take a lot of clean shots from me,” Chaney said. “From what I’ve seen from his last opponent, he moves around a little bit. He’s durable. He hasn’t been knocked down, and he will take some punishment.

“I just want to show some improvement.”

n.griffen@theday.com