LAWRENCE Bennett is set for his television debut after Frank Warren won the purse bid to stage his English cruiserweight title bid.

The self-styled Bad Boy will face defending champion Matty Askin next month in a bout that is likely to be shown on BoxNation.

Bennett, who successfully defended his Southern Area crown in March with a first round stoppage of Jamie Hearn, is relishing putting himself up against one of the UKs top 200lb fighters.

“This is what I got into boxing for – the big fights and the big shows,” the 32-year-old said.

“I keep saying I’m not sure how far I can go and if I win this, then the world is my oyster.

“I like being the underdog. I was the underdog against Jamie Hearn. They said that I wouldn’t last a round and that he would beat me – well it didn’t last a round but it was me who won.

“I’m looking at causing another upset. If you are a betting man, then you’re probably not going to back me but then no-one backed me against Jamie Hearn.”

Bennett’s bid to become the English champion is likely to take place on either Friday June 12 of Saturday June 27 at a venue in London.

“They have seven days from yesterday to notify me of the date and venue,” the southpaw said.

“June 12 and June 27 are the dates they booked in. I’m just waiting for them to choose one – thankfully I don’t have to go to Blackpool.”

Askin, who will go into the fight with Bennett on the back of a majority decision loss to British and Commonwealth champion Ovill McKenzie, is trained by former welterweight world title challenger Michael Jennings.

“It is difficult to judge Matty Askin on that Ovill fight,” Bennett said. “Ovill is a big puncher and Matty looked quite tentative.

“I’m not looking at the Matty Askin that fought Ovill; I’m looking at the Matty Askin that beat China Clarke (to win the belt) and stopped Menay Edwards – that is the guy that I’m preparing for.

“I have been in the gym for a while now because I knew that this fight was on the horizon. Now I’ve got a date to work towards.”