Belfast taxi driver Martin Rogan will fight European heavyweight champion Matt Skelton for the Commonwealth title in Birmingham next month.
The unbeaten Prizefighter contest winner Rogan (37), who beat Audley Harrison in December, faces the Bedford man on 28 February at the National Indoor Arena.
Skelton (22-2), who unsuccessfully challenged Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA title last year, is determined to rebuild and secure another shot at global honours.
‘Rogan is a dangerous fighter and I was impressed by the way in which he dug deep against Harrison,’ said the 41-year-old, who only turned professional in 2002.
‘Anyone with an undefeated record is a threat because they don't know how to lose. But I believe I will win this fight.
‘When I lost to Chagaev people asked me whether I would quit, but I feel better than ever and I think that I'm still improving.
‘That fight in Germany against Chagaev showed me that I can compete at the highest level and I'm not out of place on the world scene.’
Skelton pulled off an excellent victory by dethroning Paolo Vidoz in Milan before Christmas and said:
‘Winning the European title in Italy against an Italian surprised a few people, but it didn't surprise me because I'm always very confident in my own ability.’
Olympic gold medallist Jamie DeGale, conqueror of former amateur boxer Darren Sutherland, will make his professional debut on the same card.
