JAMIE Cox is looking forward to taking ‘another step up the ladder’ when he fights Jason Rushton next week.

The Swindon southpaw moves up to eight rounds for the first time in his career when he takes on Rushton on the ‘Fright Night’ bill at the Oasis next Friday.

Rushton’s career record boasts 18 wins from his 26 fights although he has lost his last three bouts, and Cox says he is ready for the step up in opponent and in rounds.

“I’m ready to step up,” said Cox. “It will be another step up the ladder and after this fight I’ll be looking at fighting for a title. I’ve not been fighting idiots in the past, just look at their records, I’ve just done numbers on them.

“Training has been going well and I’ve been sparring ready for the eight rounds so I’m not worried about that. I have the fitness and stamina to cope if it goes all the way.

“I’m looking get rounds under my belt, and I won’t go looking for a knockout but if it comes and I do a number on someone then so beit.”

Welterweight Cox has sparred various opponents, many from heavier divisions including stablemate Tom Costello. And although the fight was brought forward two weeks from the original date, Cox says an intense sparring regime has kept him sharp.

He added: “The sparring has been perfect preparation for me. I’m ready for this fight. The sparring has been great, especially against Tom (Costello), he’s the weight above me and is a very good fighter.”

Cox’s bout is expected to be screened live on Sky Sports and the ex-Walcot amateur will fight third from the end before light-heavyweight stars Dean Francis and Nathan Cleverly.

Commonwealth champion Cleverly will defend his title against Samson Onyango on a bill co-promoted by Swindon boxing promoter Keith Mayo’s KM Promotions.

Meanwhile, British champion Francis, who is set to fight Cleverly in March if the pair come through their respective fights unscathed, takes on Joey Vegas.

Full schedule (Fright Night, Friday, February 13, at Swindon’s Oasis Leisure Centre): Light-heavyweight Commonwealth title fight: Nathan Cleverly v Samson Onyango; Dean Francis v Joey Vegas (light-heavyweight); Jamie Cox v Jason Rushton (welterweight); Barrie Jones v Jay Morris (welterweight ); Marlon Reid v Sherman Alleyne (middleweight), Chris Higgs v Sid Razak (lightweight ); Ben Harding v Prince George Akrong (heavweight), Adam Cummings v tbc, Dan Stewart v Johnny Greaves (light welterweight ).

Tickets are selling fast and can be obtained by calling the Oasis on 01793 445401or Keith Mayo on 07789 890453.