Crook boxer Nigel Wright confidently claims he will be British light-welterweight champion this time next year.

He said: "After that I will be looking at a Lonsdale belt, then European, Commonwealth and World titles."

Nigel (pictured below) steps into the ring for only his fifth professional fight at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow on Monday against a selected opponent. He's previously beaten journeymen Keith Jones, Tom Peacock, Ernie Smith and Woody Greenway and is particularly proud of his 43 second knockout of Tom Peacock.

"Peacock was once world rated and fought Ricky Hattan who was a world champion. It took Hattan two rounds to beat him. Nigel admits it has taken him time to adjust to the professional game."

He said: "Amateur boxing is all about speed and combination punching whereas in the professional game you have to slow down as there are more rounds.

"The emphasis is more on movement of the head and stronger punching. There's also more pressure, not only do you have to win, but you have to impress as well. A defeat at this stage would be an absolute disaster."

Nigel does part of his training at Hartlepool under the expert eye of coach George Bowes.

"Everyone in Hartlepool is expecting me to win a British title, something a North East boxer hasn't done for over 20 years.

"It's hard for North East boxers to make a name because there's not that much talent around and therefore not a lot of shows. It is different in Manchester, London and Glasgow."

He admits to being lucky to have Frank Warren as his promoter.

He said: "Mr Warren took myself and nine other boxers to London for a press conference. He called us his class of 2002 and said we all had the potential to be world champions."

Nigel is clearly dedicated to achieving his aim as he runs 25 miles a week and does eight rounds of sparring three times a week, often with 12 stone opponents.

"I'm working very hard, I just hope people in the area will recognise what I'm trying to do and give me that much needed support."