ST JOSEPH’S super-featherweight Gary Buckland is set to fight for the IBF intercontinental title in Belgium in January.

The 27-year-old, who lost his British title to Stephen Smith in August, is keen to get back in the ring after months on the sidelines.

He was set to fight in Gloucester this weekend and in Cardiff next month but will now wait until after Christmas and a potential clash with Belgian Dardan Zenunaj in his own back yard.

“We’re waiting for the date to be confirmed,” said Buckland. “I don’t know much about the boy. All I know is that he’s had nine fights and won eight.

“It should be a good fight. Every belt is a bonus and I’m glad it’s a title fight.

“I was on the bill in Gloucester and then Cardiff but they were fights I couldn’t get up for after the level I’ve been at.

“Title fights – that’s where I belong. I need to get back in the top ten in the world and try to get my (British) title back.”

Buckland, who trains with Tony Borg at St Joes in Newport, insists that he can bounce back from his shocking KO defeat to Smith.

“I took a good shot and it hit a nerve. That’s all it was,” he said. “I’m back now and I’m pushing myself hard to get the belt back and put that memory to bed.”

Borg said: “It’s a good fight for Gary. He’s still number two in Britain and this will be a good one for him to bounce back.”

Before that January bout for Buckland, which is yet to be confirmed, Borg will be busy with his other St Joseph’s boxers over the coming weeks.

Blackwood light-welterweight Rhys Evans faces Dan Carr in his second fight as a pro in Gateshead tonight.

Cruiserweight Danni Griffiths and light-middleweight Lewis van Poetsch are in action in Gloucester on Saturday night.

Blackwood welterweight Dai Jones is on the same bill as Cefn Fforest’s Nathan Cleverly at the Copper Box Arena in London on November 30.

Middleweight Frankie Borg, who was stopped by Chris Eubank Jr last weekend, is back in action at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens on December 13.

And highly-rated lightweight Craig Evans, older brother of Rhys, fights in Liverpool on December 7 before targeting his first title early in 2014.

“We’re hoping this will be Craig’s last warm-up fight and in the New Year he should be fighting for the Celtic or the British title,” said Tony Borg.