Martin Gethin warns his IBF world title rival

Walsall's Gethin meets Panamanian Diaz at Walsall Town Hall on Friday May 31, with the winner getting the shot at current IBF champion Miguel Vazquez.

Diaz, a veteran of 43 fights, will begin the contest as favourite. But Gethin is happy to claim the underdog tag and is hoping over-confidence on his opponent's part could give him the edge.

He said "I hope he (Diaz) does take me lightly. I think that's what he will be thinking.

"He will be coming over here thinking it's a walk in the park but, of the people I have fought in this country, none of them have hurt me.

"I can take a punch and I can throw one as well. If I'm honest I wouldn't have gone over there to fight him, I don't think I'd have had a chance.

"But in my own town it will be a very different fight."

Though both fighters are aged 29, Diaz has had 15 more fights and challenged Vazquez for his crown in January last year, losing on points.

By contrast, former English champion Gethin has rebuilt his career following three straight losses and after knocking out Carl Johanneson to win the IBF International title last September.

He then achieved his dream of winning the British belt by stopping Ben Murphy in the ninth round at the Town Hall in January.

However, Gethin acknowledges he will have to change his style and box like never before to stand a chance of victory.

He said: "I'm going to have to work a lot harder this time, obviously, because this kid has fought for a world title.

"So I'm going to have to change my game-plan from the last few fights, because it's obviously one pace at the moment.

"I need to pick it up and keep out the way of his heavy shots. It's definitely a massive step up, these opportunities do not come along very often.

"You have to take it with both hands and do the best you can. I have seen little bits of Diaz. He tends to throw his hands over the top but if I keep pressing him he will fall back.

"I have to make it my fight."

The fight will be broadcast live on BoxNation and the under-card is topped by another Walsall fighter in the shape of Midland cruiserweight champion Chris Keane.

Keane is unbeaten in ten professional contests and showed his knockout power last month with a second round stoppage of Hungarian Tomas Toth.

Former Midlanda welterweight champion and British title challenger Jason Welborn faces an eight round contest.

Wolverhampton super-featherweight Dea Bowater and West Bromwich welterweight Tom Stokes make their professional debuts.

Undefeated Stafford super-middleweight prospect Grant Cunningham is also appearing.

Tickets, priced at £40 and £75 Ringside, are available from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.