LUKE Watkins is set to move a step closer to his Irish cruiserweight title fight.

The Swindon fighter is expected to be mandated by the Boxing Union of Ireland (BUI) this week to fight for their vacant 200lb title.

Ranked third by the BUI, Watkins, who qualifies for the Irish crown as his mother hails from County Wexford, is likely to be paired against Ian Tims when the contest is sent out for purse bids at the end of this week.

However, the BUI Celtic champion is expected to face Scotland’s Stephen Simmons next month according to Watkins’ trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick.

“The Boxing Union of Ireland are going to put the fight out for purse bids by the end of the week,” the Ferndale Road-based trainer said.

“If Ian Tims is not going to be ready then it is likely to be against Tommy McCartney and that would also be an excellent fight.

“If Duke faces Tommy McCartney then the winner would be creating history as there has never been a black Irish cruiserweight champion.”

However, before Watkins gets his chance to fight for the Irish crown, the 27-year-old, who is ranked eighth in the UK by boxing website BoxRec.com, must deal with Henry Smith.

The Somerset fighter, who has won six of his nine fights to date – including his last five, announced on Facebook this week that he is to fight Watkins in Swindon on March 18 in Trifecta’s first show.

Smith wrote on his Facebook page: "Chris sanigar (h)as just confirmed that big fight is on! Will be on 18th march in Swindon when rank 17 uk fights rank 7 Luke Watkins yes properly fighting a future champion but this my time it's no holding back now!"

However, Fitzpatrick has said that they have only held talks with the 38-year-old  and nothing has been signed.

Meanwhile, the trainer is hoping to reignite talks with Swindon Town Football Club about staging an outdoor show at the County Ground.

“We held talks with them about four years ago and they were very positive,” said the Irishman.

“There is only a three-week window that the stadium is available to be used and it would be great if we could get a show on there.

“People at the club still remember those talks and said that it was a good idea then and I see no reason why it wouldn’t still be a good idea.”