Tilbury boxer Matt McCarthy believes his career is “on the up” and is looking to get involved in more fights in the new year.

McCarthy’s latest fight was due to go ahead on December 3, but the Super Welterweight boxer decided to pull out.

“I withdrew as they were coming up with an easy fight and at this stage of my career I need to go up so I am only looking at ten round big fights now,” said McCarthy, 23.

McCarthy’s last bout was in late September, when he swept aside Ivica Gogosevic at York Hall, Bethnal Green. Since beating the Croatian on points, there has been a lot of changes in McCarthy’s camp.

McCarthy said: “I left my manager, and I will now manage my career myself. I am currently working with a new coach, my brother Kyle McCarthy, as he just turned professional and is looking to get out in February or March under the guidance of promoter Steve Goodwin.

“I now want to fight big names like Carson Jones, where I will get recognised.”

McCarthy goes into 2017 with an impressive record of 16 wins and only one loss. But that defeat to Chris Truman in 2014 still frustrates the boxer.

“I am 16-and-1 and have not lost a round yet out of all the fights I have won,” McCarthy added. “The fight I lost was controversial as I had won every round of that fight and we offered big money for a rematch but he did not want it.

“To be fair, it is the best thing that could have happened to me because it spurred me on in my career and I am now ready to take the leap. My apprenticeship is done and I am currently down to fight for a final eliminator for the English title.

“But none of this could have been possible without my sponsor – Wyatt Contractors Ltd Welding – who have been there since my fifth fight and pay for my license every year.”