RISING star Iain Weaver hopes his bout in Bournemouth can be the prelude to a title tilt as he hits the comeback trail next month.

The Ferndown fighter, 24, had considered contesting the vacant World Boxing Union European Featherweight title before being hampered by a hand injury over the festive period.

But despite the setback, ‘The Blessed One’ announced he would take to the ring for his first professional fight in Dorset on the undercard of Steve Bendall’s bill at the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday, March 15.

Weaver will take on Ghanaian Michael Ansah in a six-round clash as he looks to extend his perfect record of five victories since stepping up from the amateur ranks last year.

Ansah has a record of nine wins and two draws from 14 professional outings with seven of his successes secured by knockout, but Weaver insists he has nothing to fear and remains as determined as ever to put on a show in his hometown.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is hard for people to see what I am capable of when so many of my fights are taking place abroad.

“They are not able to see the progression I am making as a professional. I just want to let the crowd see first-hand what I am doing and, hopefully, I can put on a good show.

“He (Ansah) must be a bit of a puncher but I have fought a lot of Ghanaians so it’s just a case of getting in there and doing what I have to do.”

On being offered the chance to fight for a belt, Weaver added: “If I had been in full training since Christmas then I would probably have gone for it.

“It is important to find the right fights to get myself up the rankings but I have only had five fights so I am not in any major rush.”

  • For tickets – which are priced from £25-70 – or sponsorship packages, contact Bendall on 07855 942151 or Weaver on 07867 382890. The BIC box office starts selling tickets tomorrow.