DORSET-based Chris Hobbs – the British Army’s only professional boxer – is preparing for the sternest assignment of his career.

Hobbs, who serves with the 11th Signal Regiment in Blandford, is challenging for the prestigious Southern Area title in Portsmouth in December.

Trained in Bournemouth by former pro Steve Bendall, Hobbs will meet Gloucester's Hasan Karkardi on a Goodwins-promoted show entitled Repeat or Revenge.

With five wins and just one loss on his ledger, Hobbs was cruelly robbed in his last contest against Kelvin Young in March.

He suffered a dislocated shoulder which required surgery and prompted an enforced time-out from boxing.

But the Southampton-born soldier has set his sights on seizing his opportunity with both hands.

Hobbs told the Daily Echo: “It’s a big challenge but one I’m confident I’ll win. I’m fighting a tall southpaw who has had seven wins and one loss.

“While we’ve got similar pro records, he’s got the greater experience in the amateurs. But I’ll be able to work him out.

“I’ve watched him box on video and I think my work rate and power will be too much for him. I’d never run down another boxer but I definitely see him as beatable.”

The affable but resolute Hobbs is relishing his chance to take his career to another level.

He added: “It’s very exciting to be boxing for such a prestigious title as the Southern Area.

“It’s all I’ve wanted since I turned pro and I’ve always said it would make me so happy to win it. It also moves me a step closer to fighting for an even bigger title and I’m delighted my manager Mike Ballingall was able to get me the opportunity. “It's my first 10-round fight but I’ve done far more than that in training so it won’t be a factor and I’ll be fine going the distance if I have to.

“Working with trainer Steve Bendall has been great and top amateur Chris Billam-Smith from Poole has given me plenty of good rounds in sparring. I’m really starting to feel the power in my punches now.

“The shoulder isn’t 100 per cent yet but it will be very soon and I’m hitting the bag harder all the time. I’ve got my fitness back and I start my really hard sparring in a couple of weeks.

“We’ll bring a couple of southpaws in too and, hopefully, everything will go well. It’s a great value promotion with two Southern Area fights but I’m going to steal the show. I’m ready and I’m going to do the job.”

The show at Portsmouth’s Liquid & Envy nightclub includes a long-awaited rematch between Portsmouth’s Joel Mcintyre and Bushey’s Miles Shinkwin for the English light-heavyweight title.

Also in action will be Southampton’s Charlie Quinn and Ricky Little, together with Titchfield’s Danny Couzens.

Tickets can be ordered from Chris Hobbs on 07517 121544.