ST JOSEPH’S boxer Gary Buckland can’t wait to share the spotlight with Nathan Cleverly as he bids to fulfil his childhood dream.

The 27-year old defends his British super featherweight title for the third time against Liverpool’s Stephen Smith in chief support of Cleverly knowing that victory means he’ll keep the famous Lonsdale strap.

It’s the first time Cleverly and Buckland have appeared together professionally after Cleverly’s promoter Frank Warren agreed a deal with Hatton Promotions to screen their fighters on Box Nation TV.

And Buckland is relishing the challenge with many believing his battle with Smith to be 50/50.

“I’ve had 29 fights (27 wins) and I’ve always wanted to box in Cardiff as I’m a Rumney boy, even though I’ve always boxed out of Newport,” he said.

“I’ve had a frustrating year (Buckland was scheduled to fight in Argentina but saw the fight cancelled because of crowd trouble) but now with TV behind us we can give Sky Sports a run for their money.

“I’ve always admired Nathan, I’ve always wanted to share a bill with him too, that’s always been an aim of mine.

“When we were amateurs I was a year older and captain of the Wales A team and Nathan was captain of the Wales B team and we’ve drifted apart but we are back together now.

“I’ve always appreciated his boxing and it’s great to have the chance now to put all the Welsh boys together.”

He added: “Winning the Lonsdale title, that’s my ambition. My dream is to win it outright and after then who knows?”

Also confirmed for the Cardiff show is a Commonwealth title fight at light heavyweight between Enzo Maccarinelli and Ovill McKenzie. Gary Lockett-trained Lewis Rees and Liam Williams, Blackwood’s Craig Evans and his St Joes stablemates Danni Griffiths and Rhys Evans also feature on the card.

Tickets are available 02920 224488 or 0844 2491000.