LUKE Watkins is hoping to make a winning start to 2018 as he prepares to top the bill for Trifecta’s ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’ show in Swindon.

The Commonwealth champion will feature alongside stablemates Sam Smith, Ryan Martin and Harry Webb at MECA on Saturday, March 3.

The 28-year-old says he can’t wait to get back out in front of a home crowd after having his last two bouts in Belfast and Leicester.

“Trifecta are putting on a show back here in Swindon. I have been away for a while and I am looking forward to coming back and fighting in Swindon,” said Watkins, who’s opponent is unconfirmed.

“I’ll be on the card with the rest of Swindon’s homegrown talent and all the fighters Trifecta have.

“Everyone is in the gym chomping at the bit. This is what we do day in, day out to fight under the lights and it’s nice.

“With boxing, you never know how plans are going to go, plans chop and change all the time – one minute you’re here and then the next minute, you’re there. “It is just one of those things. It is nice to fight in your home town and have people watch, because they can’t always get to the fights.

“My opponent hasn’t been confirmed yet, there have been a couple of names mentioned but a lot of people slow down over Christmas.”

Last year saw the cruiserweight become the Irish and Commonwealth champion and Watkins, who is trained by Paddy Fitzpatrick, is looking to continue his recent rise.

Watkins also revealed he has been back in the gym as he prepares to stretch his record to 13-0 this spring.

“I’m in the gym, the only difference is the weight. I don’t really venture too far above the weight, but I am in the gym and I am training,” he said.

“I’ll was off for a couple of days at Christmas, I didn’t train on Christmas Day but other than that, I’ll be in the gym.

“I just want to keep the momentum going. This year has turned out to be a busy year and that is what it is about.

“I want to stay fighting and I want to keep progressing in my career. Everything falls at the right time, as and when it is meant to.

“Last year wasn’t a really busy year for me, it was perfect.”