BOXING: South Ockendon boxer Charlie Driscoll says his upcoming bout with talent Rhys Saunders is ‘a step in the right direction’ in his fledgling career.

The 23-year-old will step back into the ring for the first time since November next month, as he looks to build on a perfect start to his career, having won all three of his bouts to date.

Saunders is a more experienced boxer than Driscoll, and the 30-year-old from Cardiff recently lost in a fight for the vacant Celtic super lightweight title.

But Driscoll, who is signed to Frank Warren’s company BoxNation, says the battle on Friday, February 24 at York Hall will be a good test for him.

“He’s a decent kid and he has just lost fighting for the Celtic boxing title,” he said. “He’s a strong puncher too so it’s a bit of a step up for me and a good test to start a big year.

“This is my first fight since I beat Ross Jameson and I am looking forward to it.

“Training was steady over Christmas and then once I got the call earlier this month about this opportunity.

“This is a good step in the right direction for me and that is all part of the plan.”

And Driscoll says, despite his challenger fighting for a title last month, that he believes it will be him that will be celebrating come the end of the fight.

“Im very confident I will make it four wins from four,” he said. “I put a lot of hard work into training and making the right preparation for this particular opponent.

“I want to make sure 100 per cent that it is my hand that is raised at the end.”

The fight will be broadcast on BoxNation TV.

Anyone interested in getting tickets for the fight can contact Driscoll on 07866 616 554 for tickets. Tickets cost £40 each.