Tuesday 3 January 2017 14:23, UK
Gavin McDonnell will fight Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC super-bantamweight title at Hull Ice Arena on February 25, live on Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old Doncaster fighter, who is the twin brother of WBA bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell, is preparing for his first world title shot against an unbeaten Mexican opponent.
Hozumi Hasegawa previously held the WBC belt, which became vacant after the 35-year-old announced his retirement in December.
McDonnell has steadily climbed the rankings, winning the British and European belts, and believes he is ready to step-up to world level.
I cannot wait to prove I belong at world level and pick up my first world title.
"It's a dream come true," McDonnell told Sky Sports. "It's not real until it's set, so for it to be announced is just an exciting feeling. I cannot wait to prove I belong at world level and pick up my first world title.
"I've ticked all the boxes. People can write me off, do what they want, but me personally, I know I'm ready now."
Trainer Dave Coldwell had suggested that McDonnell would have been willing to travel to Mexico, but the Yorkshireman admits that home advantage could be crucial.
"A ring is a ring at the end of the day and it would not have bothered me going anywhere," said McDonnell.
"But for my first world title fight to be at home, with all my family and friends and all the support I'm going to get - it's brilliant.
"If it's a close fight, you never know, it can always lift you that little bit and maybe win [you] the fight.
"I'm glad that Matchroom and Eddie [Hearn] have pulled it off and got the kid over. He's an unbeaten Mexican who can punch.
"They are never going to be easy, but I just know 100 per cent I'm going to raise my game and beat this kid. There is no way I'm going to be beaten."
On a packed undercard, hometown hero Luke Campbell can edge closer to a world title fight when he defends his WBC Silver lightweight title against Jairo Lopez, while fellow Hull man Tommy Coyle returns to action against Kofi Yates.
Hull featherweight Samir Mouneimne, Doncaster heavyweight Dave Allen, and Scunthorpe's unbeaten light-heavyweight prospect Dec Spelman are also part of the busy bill.
