Celtic featherweight title in Coatbridge boxer Mark McKeown's sights

Coatbridge boxer Mark McKeown says he is in peak condition to take on the biggest fight of his career so far tonight.

The 28-year-old faces Welshman Joshua John for the vacant BBBofC Celtic featherweight title in Swansea and knows that winning this fight could open several doors for him.

McKeown, who claimed a convincing points win over Engel Gomez at the Hydro in his last fight back in February, has six straight wins and two TKOs in his career so far and insists he is ready for the bout at the LC Swansea, which will be screened live on BBC Wales.

He said: “Preparation has been absolutely brilliant, that’s the last intense week, so it’s now just short, sharp stuff, getting on the ball and ready for fight night.

“This is definitely the best prep I’ve had for a fight yet, and this is a massive opportunity for me. We’ve got our eyes set on this just now, but

this could open many doors, getting this title as well. It could open massive doors after this, so get this one done and we’ll see what it brings.

“We go into every fight with the same mentality, so this is no shock to our system. We’re just going down there to do what we do.”

Electrician McKeown usually brings a large crowd with him wherever he fights, but on this occasion will be looking for a small band of hardy fans to help him win that belt.

He said: “I didn’t really want to be asking a lot of people to go down there, because of how far away it is – it’s a big ask.

"Some people are flying, having to get off the plane and get a train from there.

“Some people are getting the train with a few change-overs, and some are just driving right down.

“We have more than 30 people coming, so I know for a fact they’ll take over the place when they’re in.

“I’ll be looking to win