LUKE Watkins says preparation is going well as he primes himself for a return to the ring in early April.

Watkins will be fighting on Friday, April 8, at the Oasis Leisure Centre, on the undercard of Ryan Martin’s WBC world youth welterweight title fight with Michael McKinson.

The 27-year-old Swindon cruiserweight currently boasts an unblemished record in nine fights, five of which have come via knockout.

Despite not being in the ring since his points victory over Dmitrij Kalinovskij at York Hall last July, Watkins assures he has not been inactive in the meantime.

‘The Duke’ isn’t too concerned about his lack of action in recent months but admits while it is important to keep busy, he doesn’t want to rush into anything.

“The cogs have been ticking behind closed doors,” said Watkins.

“Just because the noise isn’t necessarily being made, it doesn’t mean things haven’t been happening.

“Now it is nice we can bring it all to life and fill everyone in Swindon in on what has been going on. “It’s important to have the right fights at the right time. I’m in it for the long haul, so there is no point in rushing.

“At the same time, I don’t like to miss opportunities that come my way. You just have to be fighting fit and be ready.”

The 27-year-old, who has helped form Trifecta Sports Entertainment alongside stablemates Martin and Sam Smith, has no qualms over being on an undercard in the spring.

“With Ryan and Sam being there in the stable, it is absolutely buzzing. People are bumping off each other,” said Watkins.

“I always say success breeds success and when we are around each other, it is a very healthy competition – it’s great.

“Whenever something like this is happening, it shines a brighter light. Naturally, it will deflect and hit the other guys who are around them.

“I think it is great, even though the limelight is on Ryan. It is just as good for all of us and shines a light on all of us.”