LUKE Watkins has said that his Commonwealth cruiserweight title opportunity has come at the ‘perfect time’ after it was announced that he will face London’s Robin Dupre for the vacant belt next month.

The undefeated former New College student will collide with another unbeaten fighter at the York Hall on Saturday, October 7 on a show promoted by former world champion Barry McGuigan’s Cyclone Promotions.

The 27-year-old, who is trained by Paddy Fitzpatrick in Ferndale Road, claimed the Irish title last time out when stopping rugged Irishman Ian Tims in four rounds.

With Watkins also looking to earn a shot at the British crown, the opportunity has arisen for him to fight for his second professional title.

“I am delighted to be fighting for the Commonwealth title on this big show” Watkins said.

“I look forward to ending the year as the Irish and newly-crowned Commonwealth champion.

“Timing is very important in life and this has come at the perfect time.”

Since turning professional in 2014, Watkins has won all 11 of his paid contests, with seven of those wins coming inside the distance.

Watkins’ opponent also has an unblemished record but only one of his 12 fights to date has finished early.

The 30-year-old Dupre added: “This is a massive opportunity for me to claim the Commonwealth title.

“I'd like to thank Cyclone Promotions and my manager Mickey Helliet for getting me this title shot.

“I am ready to win this belt in style in front of my passionate fans on October 7.”

The fight is on the undercard of Andrew Selby’s WBC world flyweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Maximino Flores and is likely to be shown live on either Channel 5 or Freeview channel Spike.

Cyclone’s McGuigan said: “This should be a cracker of a night for the boxing fans.

“Not only do we have a terrific world title eliminator on offer, but also a great Commonwealth cruiserweight title fight between two undefeated prospects.”