LAWRENCE Bennett says that he cannot wait to knock out ‘idiot’ Matty Askin when they collide in the new year.

Askin’s promoter Frank Warren won the purse bid to stage the rematch of this ill-tempered English cruiserweight title fight, which must take place by the end of March.

The Swindon southpaw must be told by Christmas Eve when and where the fight will take place and Bennett, who is guided by Goodwin Promotions, says that he will ready for whenever the bout happens.

“They have to let me know within 14 days,” Bennett told the Advertiser. “Before the purse bids were opened, I was working towards a March date.

“But now that they have won it, I have got to be ready - they could try and spring an early date on me.

“They have got a show on at the York Hall on January 22, they have another show in Liverpool on February 13, or they might have something else in mind – I just have to be ready.”

When Bennett and Askin first met in October, the fight was called a technical draw after both men fell out of the ring in the opening round and the reigning champion from Blackpool was stretchered away, unable to continue.

In the aftermath, two supporters of Askin gained access to the ring and attempted to reach the Bad Boy, while Bennett was also subjected to racial abuse.

And now that rematch is near, which is likely to be televised on BoxNation, the 33-year-old cannot wait to look Askin in the eye again.

“Before the first fight, I had a lot of respect for him – I put him up there with (British and Commonwealth champion) Ovill McKenzie,” Bennett said.

“But ever since I have met and had dealings with him, I think the guy is an idiot.

“I have never wanted to knock someone out as much as I do Matty Askin – the fans are in for a treat.

“If the fight is on television, great, but when I win the English title, then I’m sure the TV fights will come.”