JAMIE Cox is hoping that by claiming the WBO European super-middleweight title at the end of the month will get him a crack a world title.

The Swindon southpaw gets a chance to crack the world ratings and add the European strap to the Commonwealth light-middle belt he collected in 2011, when he confronts Switzerland’s Blas Miguel Martinez over 10 rounds at the Wembley Arena in Wembley, on Friday, July 24, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

“I’m at a stage now where I’ll fight anyone at middle or super-middle,” Cox said. “Pain only lasts for a day or so. I want to challenge myself to see how good I am. I’d love the winner of (Fedor) Chudinov-(Frank) Buglioni (who top the bill for the WBA world title) and an impressive performance on the undercard would make me a very viable voluntary challenger.

“Sometimes, when I turn the boxing on, it’s boring whereas I’d like to think I’ve always proven myself pretty exciting.”

As a stringbean light-welter, the pride of Wiltshire blasted his way to the senior ABA title and 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal, whilst still just 19.

But delicate mitts – the bane of so many knockout specialists – has restricted Cox to just 18 starts in eight years.

With just one public airing – a six round shutout against a French import – bridging the 29 months since his Commonwealth triumph, Cox could’ve used some ring time when he resurfaced against Huddersfield’s Alaister Warren last February.

But old habits die hard and the hardy Tyke was wiped out in two and a half minutes.

“Ideally, after so long out, I could’ve done with some rounds but Warren is a notoriously tough boy so I was very happy that I was able to do that to him,” said Cox.

“Besides, lately I’ve had plenty of quality sparring with James DeGale here and (Saul) Canelo Alvarez in San Diego.

“And I’d have to say Canelo is the best I’ve been inside a ring with. He was born for fighting. He’s got a wicked front hand and I was very surprised how good his defence is. I had a real good time and the Mexicans treated me very well.”

At the turn of the year, the 5ft 11in Cox was contemplating a return to his old 11st stomping ground to settle a couple of civil wars with Liam Smith and Brian Rose. But six months on, his antennae are now firmly focussed on 160-168lb competition.

“Basically, I’ll go wherever the opportunities are. I want to get involved with the bigger names in either division. I just want to be in good fights against good fighters,’ he explains.

“After training, I walk around at about 12.3 so I’m sort of between the weights. I’ve always been naturally strong and there’s only eight pounds difference between middle and super-middle so I can’t imagine it making that much difference. When I spar bigger opponents, I’m seldom found out for strength yet I find them slower which allows me more time to pick my shots without having to rush.’ Coach John Costello – who has been involved in Cox’s career in a variety of capacities since the start – still has lofty aspirations for his ward.

“Until he had his hand op, Jamie was basically boxing with just one and a half hands,” Costello said.

“The media slaughtered him for the low blows the night he won his Commonwealth light-middle title against Obodai Sai but basically Jamie had to look for something soft to land on. His hand was absolutely shattered. Now he’s had it properly sorted, his left hand’s like a rhino’s head, rock solid.

“Frank (Warren) has been golden with Jamie and hopefully the plan is for Jamie to face the winner of this main event.

“Going on Chudinov’s title win over (Felix) Sturm, for me, Jamie beats the Russian out of sight. Jamie’s got ridiculous natural strength and he does more than well sparring super-middles and above. He’s that powerful and he’s got a proper engine.

“I know Britain is very strong at 12stone but a healthy Jamie Cox has got the beating of all of them. If he doesn’t win a world title, something’s drastically wrong.”