Dennis McCann to fight Ionut Baluta for the European super-bantamweight title at the O2 Arena on Saturday, July 27 | I’ll absolutely batter him, says the Menace

Dennis McCann has vowed to “absolutely batter” his opponent when he fights for the vacant European super-bantamweight title.

McCann, from Maidstone, faces Romanian Ionut Baluta (16-4-1) for the EBU crown at the 02 Arena in London on Saturday, July 27.

The pair drew their first meeting at a sweltering York Hall almost a year ago, the only blot on the Menace’s otherwise-perfect record.

McCann (15-0-1) already holds British and Commonwealth titles and is determined to complete the set before moving up to world level under promoter Frank Warren.

“I think I’m going to absolutely batter him this time,” said McCann.

“I’ve never been more confident. I’ve never prepared so well.

“I’ve taken my training to the next level.

“The way I’m hitting people in the gym and sparring, I’m really hurting people.

“I know I’m going to beat him. I know I am. I don’t think it’s going the distance this time.

“I think I can take him out. I’m a different guy this time, older, wiser, and I’ve filled out a lot more to a man.

“It would be a big accomplishment at 23-years-old to be British, Commonwealth and European champion. It’s madness.

“I’ve always believed in myself, so I thought I’d be here, but actually doing it is another thing.

“Some people don’t even turn pro till 26/27 but I’ve accomplished so much already. It’s outrageous really. I’m miles ahead of the game and I just want to inspire the next generation.”

McCann has moved up to Liverpool to train under renowned coaches Joe McNally and Declan O’Rourke, returning to Maidstone in between camps.

Bar a spell in America it’s his first time living away from home but needs must as he sets about taking out a dangerous operator in Baluta.

“I’m feeling great,” said dad-of-one McCann.

“I’ve moved away to Liverpool for training.

“It’s a lot of sacrifices but I’m absolutely buzzing.

“The training camp has been unbelievable.

“I’m employing a lot of sparring partners from all different countries, getting world-class sparring to get ready for this fight.

“The fact it’s Baluta again has definitely put a lot more fire in the belly. It’s made it quite personal for both of us as well.

“There’s so much on the line. I’m not just fighting for me, I’m fighting for my little girl and my family. I’ve been boxing all my life for this moment now.

“My little girl’s one-and-a-half and being a dad makes you look at things from a different perspective and makes you grow up so much.

“I’ve got to fight to feed her because if I lose fights I’m not going to get paid. I need to keep fighting for her future.

“Life’s great, thank God, and after this fight hopefully bigger and better things are on the way. I’m probably 12 months from a world title.”