Martin Gethin only wants title tests

Walsall's Martin Gethin was today looking to prove he's back up to title class as he prepares to step through the ropes for the first of two fights in two weeks.

Gethin compete for the International Masters title against Slovakian Ivan Godor in a late notice challenge at the Peterborough Arena tonight.

That could feasibly go the 10-round distance, 14 days before the two-time English lightweight champion is due to box at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

But the 28-year-old insists he's back up to speed and capable of completing the full 16 rounds, if needs be, before March is out.

A points win in another six-rounder against Poland's Arek Malek marked his return in November, after 19 months out of the ring with a back injury.

And Gethin insists he's wasted enough time as he looks to get his career back on track with a title-winning display.

He said: "I am feeling fitter and a lot stronger. I have got myself in good shape and done a lot of sparring, so I feel the ring rust is gone.

"I want the rounds and I will see how I get along with them but, you never know, I might be able to finish it early.

"The kid has been has stopped and I want to look nice and sharp in there but if it comes, it comes.

"He's the same sort of fighter as the last one I had, looking for the big launch over the top, so I will look to counter that.

"I will keep my heading moving and work off the jab because that's what I have to do, if I want to leave without a cut!"

The focus for Gethin remains the long-coveted British title and it's holder, Anthony Crolla, who stepped up from super feather in 2010.

Crolla next defends on April 21 against Derry Mathews, who has been stopped six times in his career, which Gethin is keen to point out.

He said: "It's a bit crazy, really, and it's shocked me that Mathews has got another title shot, he's been stopped so many times.

"I would have any of those lads, people know Mathews has got a weak chin and I can't see nothing of Crolla.

"He's a tidy fighter but it just doesn't seem to be his weight and there are some strong people at lightweight.

"I just want to get to the British title and I will never give up until that belt belongs to me."

For tickets to the show at the Civic, call the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.