JOHN Wayne Hibbert hasn’t looked forward to a fight more than Saturday night’s match-up with domestic rival Tyler Goodjohn.

The light welterweight, from Horndon-on-the-Hill, will be making the first defence of his WBC International belt against the Cambridgeshire fighter at London’s O2 Arena.

Hibbert, 30, believes he is a class above his rival and is hoping to use the fight as a springboard towards a shot at the British title.

But Goodjohn has riled the dad-of-two by comments he has made in the build-up to the fight and Hibbert is determined to make him pay.

“I am at the top of my game at the moment,” said Hibbert, who has just returned from a two-week training camp in Tenerife.

“And I believe I am a level above him. For me, this fight is just a stepping stone. I’m not going to be complacent, but I am looking past it.

“But there has been a bit of needle with him (Goodjohn). He has said a few things about me in his press conferences, opening his mouth a bit and, to be honest, I’ve never looked forward to getting into the ring more.”

Hibbert, who won the WBC belt against Argentinian Leonardo Esteban Gonzalez last October, admits Goodjohn will be a tough nut to crack, but is confident of notching up his fifth straight knockout victory.

“He might only be 23 years old but he has experience. He is a tough, durable fighter but he’s had some hard fights recently and I think they will take their toll.

“I know he will bring a tough fight for the early rounds but I will get him out of there later in the fight.

“No disrespect to Tyler, but I am a level above him.”

Saturday night’s bout is part of a stacked bill and will be screened live on Sky Sports.

And Hibbert, whose early career was spent earning money in small hall venues, is enjoying his time in the limelight.

“I do believe that there is an extra 20 per cent you need to find on these big shows. It’s alright just getting through fights in the smaller venues. But this is the big time and you need to put in a big performance to give people something to talk about. I believe I can do that.”

Hibbert hopes a win will give him a shot at the British title which is currently held by Willie Limond.

He’d also love the chance to avenge a defeat to Dave Ryan who is fighting Bradley Saunders on the same bill on Saturday night.

“Ideally I want to be boxing for the British title,” said Hibbert. “That’s what I promised my grandad I’d do before he passed away. But boxing is a business so whatever comes along and makes business sense for me and my team we’d look at.

“Dave Ryan has got a big fight of his own. I have faith in him. He could get a shock result like he did last time out. If that does happen, then I don’t see any reason why we can’t have a rematch.”

Hibbert said he would like to thank his sponsors including Benfleet Scrap, T&P Lead Roofing, Reed’s Butchers, Impulse Leisure, JV Building Supplies, Simon James IT and Dean Crumpton.