Tommy Martin has vowed to bring the English light-welterweight title back to St Neots.

The footballer-turned-puncher is ready to shine in the Sky Sports limelight when facing Ricky Boylan for the vacant strap on Saturday night.

Martin will be cheered on by an army of around 500 supporters as he steps through the ropes at the O2 Arena in London for the biggest fight of his career as part of Matchroom Boxing’s ‘Capital Punishment’ bill.

And that is exactly what the confident 20 year-old - winner of all 10 previous outings - intends to dish out.

Martin, backed by car dealership Junction 17, said: “It would mean the world to me to be champion of my country.

“I could not be more determined to win the belt for my family and all my friends who have supported me on this journey.

“It could be anyone across the ring from me on Saturday night. All I am bothered about is winning that English title and nothing is going to stop me.

“I’ve lived alone and sacrificed a hell of a lot to be in this position. Eddie Hearn has shown faith to put me in this fight and I’m not going to disappoint him.

“Boylan has been saying he is going to knock me out in three rounds, but he is going to be in for a big shock.

“It is a fight that can definitely open doors for me. It could lead to interim or international titles and put me within three or four fights of being in the British title mix.”

Boylan is a former English light-welterweight title holder who lost the belt to another Cambridgeshire fighter Tyler Goodjohn, who immediately vacated the crown, at the same venue back in October.

Martin earned his shot with a seventh-round stoppage of Matty Tew on the same card.

The winner of the Martin/Boylan dust-up could then face the loser of a WBC International Light-Welterweight title between John Wayne Hibbert and Goodjohn.

Martin and Hibbert have sparred together in preparation for their Saturday fights.