Former Team GB sensation Sam Maxwell is confident he can harness the pressure of his first professional title fight at the Leicester Arena on Saturday night.

The heavy-handed Liverpudlian (10-0-KO8) faces Kelvin Dotel for the WBO European super-lightweight crown live on BT Sport and rather than try to dispel the nerves, he's looking to channel them.

Maxwell said: "I'm excited. There are definitely a few nerves around. I've put a bit of pressure on myself because I really want to perform on the night.

"It's important when you get chances like this to look good so that people want to see more of you. I know I box well when I'm relaxed and focused but this show is a prime spot so it's a balance between that and sheer excitement.

"This is the chance to show my levels so it's only going to have an effect on my performance in a positive way. I want to be my best yet and I know I will do just that on the night.

"I think I'm right up there when it comes to the best-kept secrets in boxing. I feel my 10 fights so far have gone under the radar so I'm hoping to show people what I'm really about on Saturday."

Joining Maxwell on a busy bill is Maxwell's unbeaten MTK Global team-mate Troy Williamson (8-0-1-KO5), who returns to action against Yasin Hassani (4-1-KO4).

LYON WOODSTOCK insists he would jump at the chance to fight British super-featherweight champion Sam Bowen if he was given enough notice.

The bitter local rivals are both in action at Leicester’s Morningside Arena on Saturday night, when Bowen makes the first defence of his domestic title against Jordan McCorry, live on BT Sport.

Woodstock is on the comeback trail after losing his unbeaten record to fellow prospect Archie Sharp in the same ring last October.

Bowen’s team have accused Woodstock of previously turning down the chance to challenge Bowen last month.

Woodstock blames the lack of notice, and snapped: “It was two weeks’ notice, come on man.

“What smart person that rates themselves in any kind of way is going to take a 12 round British title fight at such short notice?

“I am not selling myself short. I know my worth, what I have come here to do and what I am about.

“Had I been given enough time, I would have taken the fight 100 per-cent.”

Frank Warren promotes both boxers and seems certain to match the feuding fighters who live just 13 miles apart against each other in the coming months.

Woodstock added: “I was clinging on to hopes for this show and said; ‘Get me the Bowen fight, get me the Bowen fight. I will fight him, take the belts and it will be one of the greatest comeback ever.’

“It didn’t materialise and it is what it is, but the British title is my goal whether he has got the belt or it is vacant.

“By the end of 2019 in my head, I will be the British champion. Give me notice and I will fight Bowen.”

Woodstock is back in action at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on Saturday night in support of the British super featherweight title clash between the champion Sam Bowen and Scot Jordan McCorry. CJ Challenger and  Kyle Haywood fight for the vacant Midlands Area super welterweight title takes place on the same bill. Among the other stars in action include Tommy Fury, Nathan Gorman and Sam Maxwell.

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Victory Sports and Entertainment are delighted to announce the signing of former Team USA standout Francisco Javier Martinez

Currently undefeated in his first 5 professional contests, the Dallas Super Featherweight is looking forward to an exciting future under the guidance of Victory Sports and Entertainment chiefs Rick Torres and Mike Leanardi, who also have the likes of Jose Pedraza under their management umbrella.

Dallas’ Martinez opened up about his feelings on signing with VSE, “I am absolutely delighted to be linking up with such a top-class management company in Victory Sports and Entertainment.

“I have seen the great job they have done with Jose Pedraza amongst other great fighters, and I am confident that they can do the same for me.”

Martinez, a resident of Texas represented the USA in the World Series of Boxing, sharing the ring with some of the most elite amateurs on the planet including rising Irish superstar Michael Conlan. Martinez discussed his time in the amateurs, mixing it with the best fighters in the world.

The promotional free agent said, “It was brilliant being able to travel the world with the USA national team and going to tournaments such as the Pan American Games where I won a medal.

“I boxed the best amateurs in the world in the World Boxing Series such as Michael Conlan and that is what encouraged me to turn professional as I knew I could mix it with the absolute best in the amateurs, and I know my style was going to be better suited to the professional game.”

Now under the guidance of management powerhouse VSE, the future appears to be a bright one for the Dallas Cowboys fan. With Dallas boxing being at the forefront of world boxing in recent weeks, with Errol Spence Jr producing a fantastic victory over 4 weight World Champion Mikey Garcia, Martinez aims to follow in the footstep of fellow Texan Spence Jr.

Martinez gave his take on his plans for 2019 and further down the line, “I was a world class amateur and I want to be at that level in the professional ranks.  Right now I want to get active again and keep progressing as a professional but when the times right I know I have the right team around me to get me the big fights and get me ready for them.

“Who knows what the future holds, I believe I can become a world champion. I would love to avenge my WBS loss to Mick Conlan and I believe we will one day clash for world honours, but for now, I just want to get back in the ring and continue my winning ways.”

Victory Sports and Entertainment chief Mike Leanardi addressed VSE's latest acquisition, "I was a big fan of Francisco Javier coming out of the amateurs. He has a very exciting style and undoubted talent that fight fans will really enjoy watching. I'm truly excited that we're able to work with him."