RYAN Martin will tune up for his first title fight in October next weekend when he faces Victor Edagha.

The 21-year-old welterweight will face awkward southpaw Faheem Khan at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 24.

But while the former England and Walcot amateur knows that he cannot look past the Italian-born Londoner at the GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester on Saturday September 12, he says that Khan is a man he had to face.

The pair were due to clash at the Grange Drive Community Centre in June before Martin strained the ligaments in his shoulder before pulling out a week before fight night.

But Exeter-based Khan, who stopped Garvey Kelly back in February, has agreed finally get it on with the new Challenge belt at stake.

“The thought of people thinking that I might be running from someone is unbearable for me so I have a lot of respect for him (Khan),” Martin said.

“I can’t see that (Khan winning in Swindon) happening (again). Garvey was unlucky (that night). I spoke to him after the fight and said he was boxing well but slipped up, made a mistake and Faheem is strong, hard puncher.

“If you make that mistake, especially against an awkward southpaw like Faheem, he can end the show there and then. But we are in a solid training camp now, not going to have too much rest (after Edagha) and will be straight back in the gym.

“I will be fit and strong (for Khan) – that (losing) is not going to happen to me.”

But before the undefeated welterweight can focus on Khan, he must give his attention to Edagha.

The 28-year-old turned professional in March and has lost all three of his bouts.

However, he has faced the likes of Celtic light-welterweight champion Mitch Buckland – younger brother of former British super-featherweight champion Gary.

Tickets for the GL1 show are £35 unreserved or £50 ringside. See www.kmpromotions.co.uk