SWINDON will have a boxing world champion in Luke Watkins, according to trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick.

The 25-year-old is currently out in Northern Ireland preparing for what is likely to be his first title fight, having been approved by the Boxing Union of Ireland to fight for their cruiserweight crown.

And Ferndale Road-based Fitzpatrick feels this will be the first of many for Watkins, who was named in as ‘Ones to Watch’ by prestigious boxing magazine The Ring this month.

“Duke is a consummate professional with everything he does. Nothing is left unturned and I’m sure as eggs is eggs that man will be a world champion – Swindon will have a world champion,” the trainer told the Advertiser.

Fitzpatrick says that they are still trying to finalise an opponent for Swindon’s rising cruiserweight star.

“Ian Tims from Dublin was going to take the fight,” the trainer added. “We offered them the purse, they wanted a bit more, and when we asked them how much more, we were told that he wasn’t sure that if Ian wanted it right now – that is fine.

“He has got a good record, so he will be able to get fights on the TV. So because of those things, why fight a young fresh fella off TV for lesser money?

“Michael Sweeney is coming back off an injury and there was another cruiserweight that will only be back off suspension on the day of the fight, so he couldn’t take it.

“But the Boxing Union of Ireland have cleared him (Watkins) for the Irish cruiserweight title - that is the aim.

“The worst case scenario, he will be in a 10-round fight (on May 2).”

Once the this weekend is out of the way, Watkins, who has stopped three of his four opponents to date, will then be the headline act at the Oasis Leisure Centre on June 6 as his trainer looks to plot his way to a British title final eliminator by the end of the year.

“Plans for Duke this year is an eliminator for the British title, a final eliminator,” Fitzpatrick added.

“We have no problem in fighting the men that we need to get that.

“There are two three guys above him now that I would really like but I will keep their names to myself right because lets get past May 2.”