Northern Ireland’s James Tennyson wants to use his bout against Josh O’Reilly as a stepping stone to a world title fight.
Tennyson and O’Reilly fight on Friday, on the Billy Joe Saunders vs. Martin Murray undercard, to contest a WBA eliminator.
The 27-year-old British lightweight champion last fought in August when he won the title against Gavin Gwynne, and is now ready to return to action.
“After the last fight I had a break and enjoyed myself,” he said.
“I was looking forward to get back to training.”
He is keen to use the fight to move onto something bigger next year, claiming he is ready to step up to the next level.
“Big step forward, a world title eliminator. It can open some doors and opportunities for me.
“I know I can mix it with those guys. I want the opportunities with the big guys.”
While O’Reilly said he had watched some of Tennyson’s fights, Tennyson has not done the same, instead leaving that to coach Tony Dunlop.
“I haven’t watched too much of him,” he admitted.
“Tony is happy with how training is going. We’re very confident of getting the win on Friday.”
Despite that confidence, Tennyson is not writing off his opponent, acknowledging that he has a strong track record and plenty to fight for.
“He’s 16 and 0, and holds two titles,” he said of O'Reily, who boasts the IBA intercontinental lightweight and NABA lightweight titles.
“He’s very confident and clearly he’s here to win. It’s his big opportunity, it’s not one I can take lightly with the rewards at the end of it.
“He’s ranked above me. It’s a must win. It’s just about winning, whether or not it looks good.”
Tennyson is keen to get back to world title fights after losing to Tevin Farmer for the IBF super featherweight title.
“I was having weight problems, I was young as well,” he said of the defeat.
“I’m very highly motivated. I haven’t stopped thinking about a world title.
“Fighting at that level is where I want to be. I’m working very hard to get myself into that position again.
“It’s a stage of boxing I’ve wanted to get back at. I want to bring big fights back to Belfast. It’s a dream. It’s one I’m getting closer to.”