UNBEATEN lightweight Mitchell Buckland is aiming to take a big step towards the British title by claiming the Celtic belt at the Newport Centre on Saturday night, writes Andrew Penman.

The St Joseph’s fighter, younger brother of former British super-featherweight champion Gary, takes on Newport’s Craig Woodruff.

Alway boxer Woodruff comes into the bout as the Welsh lightweight champ but Buckland convincingly won their July 2012 clash on points and is confident of a repeat performance on Saturday.

“I’m feeling great, it’s the best shape I’ve ever been in,” said Buckland.

“I’m ready for ten rounds if that’s how it goes. I’ve been sparring for ten and 12 rounds with Gary and with Lee Selby so I’m well prepared.

“I’ve not had the experience of ten rounds before but he hasn’t even gone eight rounds so I think I’m well prepared.

“Doing ten rounds with Selby, the British champion, is great – you can’t get better preparation than that. He’s going to be a world champion.

“Woodruff was getting bullied in his last fight by Dai Davies,” he added. “He pulled off a good shot to win it but we’ve got a good game plan and I’m going to beat him again.

“There’s only one winner. And hopefully it will be a stepping stone. I’m aiming to win the Celtic title and then move on to the British title within the next 12 months.”

Woodruff v Buckland is the headline act on the Newport Centre bill promoted by Mark Prior and there are plenty of other local favourites on show.

Newport welterweight Jerome Samuels looks to continue his return to form against Dai Jones and St Joes middleweight Frankie Borg takes on Greg O’Neill.

The show starts at 7pm and tickets will be available on the door or from matchmaker Steve Sims on 07761965416.