Martin McDonagh will be out to defend his Southern Area Lightweight title tonight (Friday).

York Hall is the venue and unbeaten Ben Smith (11-0) the opponent as the Sheppey fighter aims for another win to move him onto the next level.

McDonagh will be looking towards an English title challenge next if he can get past Smith.

He said: “I took this straight away when it was put to me. He has the opportunity to fight me, I have to deal with him, he’s in my way now.

“I want to defend this and push on, take every fight as it comes, step by step and push on to get to the end goal.

“I would love a shot at the English title next.”

The fight was originally scheduled for March 10 but McDonagh picked up an illness that put him back a couple of weeks.

The Rumbles ABC fighter has been sparring super lightweight Robbie Davies Jr in preparation for this one, which will be his first defence of the title which he won at the end of September, 2022.

He beat Connor Marsden with the first knockdown of his professional career, stopping the Londoner in the 10th and final round of the contest. It was also his first fight dropping down to lightweight.

“It feels more natural to me,” said the 28-year-old, talking to Boxing Social. “I’ve trained hard, I’m ready to go.”

McDonagh’s title defence is being broadcast live on streaming service FITE from 6pm.