Tommy Martin has vowed to forget about the festive season to focus on earning himself the perfect late present.

While most people tuck into their turkey, The St Neots puncher known as ‘Da Gun’ will be working hard in the gym as he prepares for a shot at the vacant English light-welterweight crown early in the new year.

Martin faces former champion Ricky Boylan on a mouth-watering bill at the O2 Arena on January 31 and the unbeaten 20 year-old is already in a rigourous training regime ahead of his big night in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Martin said: “I’ve cancelled Christmas because I’ll be flat-out training all the way through into the new year.

“I will get back home to see the family, but I won’t be sat around eating Christmas dinner.

“It is a sacrifice worth making with such a big fight coming up in January at the start of a big year.

“I have everything to gain from it and I’m absolutely buzzing already.

“I’m working hard and have been in camp for the last couple of weeks.

“I’m training in great new premises at West Ham Boxing Club. I’m feeling great and I cannot wait for January 31.”

Surrey slugger Boylan lost the English belt to Ely fighter Tyler Goodjohn, who has since vacated the crown, back in October.

In the same month Martin earned his shot at glory by forcing the seventh-round stoppage of Matty Tew in an eliminator.

The January title fight will provide a clash of two boxing buddies, but the friendship between Martin and Boylan will be on ice during an eagerly-anticipated dust-up.

And Martin insists age will not be a factor as he takes on a fighter six years his senior.

He added: “I’ve lived alone for five days a week since I turned pro at 18 years-old.

“I’ve grown up fast and the people telling me I’m a baby at 20 years of age will see that I’m not.

“I believe my ‘A’ game is better than his and so is my ‘B’ game too. I can either out-box him or have a tear-up.

“He has already got his back up on social media whereas I am cool, calm and collected.

“It’s a massive fight for both of us. It is a big step up for me on paper, but hand on heart I don’t actually think that is the case.

“My management team would not have put me in a fight they don’t think I can win.”

Victory would catapult Martin into the top 10 of the British ranks as well as earning the first title belt of his professional career.

Martin is anticipating great support from this area. He predicts as many as 500 fight fans could make the trip to the capital to cheer him on.

Tickets for the fight are available by calling 07809 246986.