IAIN Weaver has targeted a European title tilt following his third professional victory – over Michelino Di Mari on Friday.

Weaver, 23, won each of his six rounds on points to trump his Sicilian counterpart 60-54 after returning to the ring on home soil.

And after the Ferndown fighter confirmed manager Gary Hyde had arranged another fight in Barcelona on Friday, October 18, he insisted the time was right to start pushing for a belt following his latest success.

Weaver told the Daily Echo: “I just want to get up the rankings and challenge for a European title within the next 12 to 14 months, maybe a little sooner. That is the aim.

“The Spanish fight is one I’m really looking forward to. It is another six-rounder and this first fight will stand me in good stead for it. Gary always selects good, up-and-coming opponents to get me up the rankings. He doesn’t put me in with journeymen and I know that will drive me forward.”

Meanwhile, Weaver said there was still room for improvement despite his relatively comfortable success over Di Mari at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

Weaver added: “He was unde feated and you could see why because he was tough but I won comfortably in the end.

“Maybe I should have upped the tempo a bit because I was boxing at my own pace. I did hurt him a couple of times but never really put together a combination and he got a bit too close at times.

“It was my first six-rounder and all of my coaches and management were happy, but I shouldn’t get too carried away and must look for ways to improve my performance.

“The atmosphere was great and I was so hyped up, I really enjoyed it. We managed to sell a few tickets and it was great to step back into the ring in the UK.”