Sure, his father, Joey Gamache, is a former world champion boxer and now a top-notch trainer in New York City, but Steven Gamache wants everybody to know that it was his decision to climb back into the ring after a six-year hiatus from the sport.

Steven Gamache is quick to point out that his dad’s reputation and his lifetime commitment to boxing had little to do with putting on the gloves again.

“No. 1: I wasn’t doing much with my life. I was partying a lot. I was kind of going downhill. No. 2: I grew up in a boxing family and I would regret not giving it a try,” said Steve Gamache, who makes his pro debut Saturday night at Tri-City Christian Academy in Somersworth, N.H. “My father never forced me into the sport. Honestly, he wanted me to make a living doing something else.”

But when Steven Gamache, 27, felt like his life was slipping, he turned to boxing and his father as his lifelines. The proud father and determined son teamed up over a year ago to jump start Steven’s pro career. This working relationship is free of friction, said Steven.

“I can trust him. He is looking out for my interests,” said Steven. “And he’s been there and done that.”

Steven will face Patrick Bozeman from Massachusetts in a four-round fight. Bozeman is 0-3 in his pro career while Steven made an excellent showing in the New York Golden Gloves competition, winning two of his three fights.

There also will be 10 amateur undercard fights, featuring two fighters from Lewiston — Kaleb Blakely, 16, and Jeff Prevol, 30. The doors open at the gymnasium at 6:30 p.m.

The fight was just given the green light on Tuesday by the New Hampshire Boxing Commission. Somersworth is a 90-minute drive from Lewiston and is located between Berwick and Rochester, N.H.

According to Joe Gamache Sr., obtaining required federal identifications for the fighters took an inordinate amount of time and slowed down the process of organizing the match.

Promoter Joe Siudut, owner of Jass Boxing in South Berwick, said the Gamaches wanted a six-round fight before they agreed to a four-round bout.

“It’s going to be a descent one,” said Siudut. “I think it’s going to go the distance.”

So far, Joey Gamache has been impressed with his son’s hard work inside and outside the ring.

“I feel good because he wants to do it. (But) I would be comfortable without him fighting, too.” said Joey Gamache. “He looks good. He’s impressive. Everything he had been taught he hasn’t forgotten. Steve can really, really fight. This kid has got talent.”

“(I’m) a little nervous because I was quite nervous with Joey,” said Joe Gamache Sr. “I feel good because Steve is going to fight and he is a good little fighter.”

Leaving home

Steven Gamache’s pro debut was moved to New Hampshire after Joe Gamache Sr. discovered that boxing had been banned in Maine when the state legislature abolished the Athletic Commission as a cost-saving measure in 2007.

When the commission was dismantled, the 1873 statute, which criminalized prizefighting in Maine, came into play again. Steven Gamache was to make his professional debut at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center in June. Joe also learned that he could be arrested if he tried to the put the fight on in Maine.

“I just wish Steve could have his first pro fight in Maine. This is where he was born,” said Joe Gamache Sr. “It’s been tough getting this fight card. They could have given me leeway for a one-day event.”

The Gamaches plan to lobby hard for the return of boxing in Maine when the State Legislature convenes in January.

“I much rather have him fight in Lewiston. It’s his home,” said Joey Gamache. “It’s where I want to build him. He deserves to have his career there.”

While Steven Gamache is excited about his pro debut, he also would have liked to demonstrate his talent in front of family and friends in Lewiston.

“It’s unfortunate. I was looking to fighting in front of my hometown,” said Steven Gamache.

But the fight’s relocation won’t stop him from squaring off against Bozeman on Saturday night.