Dubliner Stephen Ormond will defend his WBO European lightweight belt against Englishman Terry Flanagan on St Valentine's Day in a fight that will also serve as an eliminator for the WBO world title.
The 31-year-old (17-1-0) was scheduled to face the undefeated Flanagan (26-0-0) in December but the Irishman contracted a virus.
However, the fight has now been refixed for 14 February in Wolverhampton.
Reigning world champion Terence Crawford (25-0-0) is expected to vacate the WBO belt and move up to 140 pounds (super lightweight/junior welterweight) so Ormond or Flanagan would most likely face an opponent nominated by the organisation.
"I'm the champion and I'll be leaving the champion," said Ormond.
"Not only will I keep hold of my WBO European title, but I'll be the one who will get the world title shot.
"Flanagan's a good strong kid. He's undefeated, he'll come into the ring ready for the fight and he'll be no pushover, but ultimately I'll have too much for him in every department,"
"I've fought the majority of my career outside of Ireland so there's no pressure on me fighting him in England. A boxing ring is a boxing ring wherever it is, as long as I can fight in a ring I'll win.
"It's a great fight for me and the fans and I can't wait to get it on. The only thing his lips will be kissing that day is my fists."
Flanagan said: "This fight won't be for the faint hearted, I am going all out to take Ormond apart.
"He says he'll have too much for me in every department, but I believe that I'm the bigger, stronger, better and more skilful fighter and it will show on the night.
"There will be pressure on me even though it's not in my home city of Manchester, he's coming over from Ireland so I'm going to make sure I'm the winner on home soil.
"I'm undefeated and I'll never shy away from a challenge, I love the challenge and someone like Ormond who comes in saying he's going to beat me makes me train and fight harder.
"There'll be no love hearts in my eyes when I'm facing him, just targets set on his chin."
