Viktor Kotochigov feels the result of his last fight may have been a blessing in disguise – as he prepares to take on Gary Cully on next Friday’s #MTK Fight Night.

Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs) faces undefeated Cully (11-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO European lightweight title at the University of Bolton Stadium on March 12, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

The Kazakh fighter came up narrowly short in a back and forth battle against Maxi Hughes last October, but insists he has made plenty of adjustments that will come in handy against Cully.

Kotochigov said: “I am looking forward to this fight. In preparation for the fight, we did a lot of work, with many hours in the gym and in sparring. I can safely say that I am ready for battle.

“Hunger is always inherent in fighters striving for the greatest goals. I am determined to win and prove that losing against Maxi Hughes was a blip.

“I have watched Gary Cully’s fights. We studied with my coaches his technical and tactical actions, and we know what to expect from him. I’m looking forward to a beautiful and spectacular fight that fans will love.”

Elsewhere on the card, Lewis Crocker defends his WBO European welterweight title against Deniz Ilbay, Isaac Lowe returns, Sahir Iqbal faces Liam Wells, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, plus Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time too.