Watkins’ camp eyeing a springtime meeting for Swindon’s cruiserweights

Twenty-four-year-old Watkins maintained his perfect start to the paid ranks with a big right hook to send Hungarian Istvan Kun crashing to the canvas to secure his third win earlier this month.

That success has kept the Fitzpatrick-trained boxer on a collision course with Bennett.

The 32-year-old Southern Area champion has not fought since his points success over Chris Keane in a British title eliminator in the summer.

With no fight yet on the horizon for Bad Boy, Watkins, who is set to see a specialist for blood tests over concerns of a virus, could well have charged past his fellow Swindonian according to his trainer.

“We have spoken with Keith (Mayo, Bennett’s manager) and he is keen on the (Watkins-Bennett) fight,” Fitzpatrick said.

“We will be making them an offer for the fight and we want to have it in March.

“It is a fight that makes sense and it is a fight that everyone wants to see.

“I tip my hat to Lawrence because he is a six and one, the Southern Area champion and has won a British title eliminator.

“This is not us calling him out in the paper; we are making him an offer for the fight.

“But, it has to happen by March because, by then, Duke will be moving on.

“We want Duke moving towards the British title level.”

The Ferndale Road-based trainer says Watkins may not fight again this year should the blood tests reveal a virus.

He was originally set for a fight in Germany next month, but Fitzpatrick could hold his boxer back.

“If the tests show some kind of virus then we will let Duke rest up,” he said.

“He is set to fight in Germany next month but we haven’t confirmed that yet.

“Whether he fights in Germany or not, the plan is to put on a show in Swindon in February with Duke headlining it.

“Swindon has got to be Duke’s and Garvs (Garvey Kelly) world.

“This is where they are from. This this is where they need the support of their community.”