Chris Hobbs is hoping for two reasons to celebrate in December – both hopefully not at the same time.

The 29-year-old Southampton boxer has just landed a Southern Area light heavyweight title shot, less than a year after fearing injury may have destroyed his career.

And, to make things even more hectic, his wife is due to give birth just days after the fight.

He smiled: “December looks to be a busy month with my wife due to give birth days after the fight. I am just hoping it’s not ringside.”

In March, Hobbs admitted that he may never return to the boxing ring after it was confirmed he needed surgery on a dislocated shoulder which ended his bout with Kelvin Young in the third round.

However, the Army man has worked tirelessly to build up his strength and fitness again, and has remarkably forced his way back into title contention.

Hobbs has said throughout his four year professional career that his goal has been to win a Southern Area title, and he will have the chance when he takes on Hasan Karkadi at Liquid & Envy Nightclub in Portsmouth on December 10.

“Me and my trainer Steve Bendall got straight to work last week as we were waiting on news of the fight,” said Hobbs. “I am so glad to be back training after my shoulder surgery.

“I am proper buzzing as the Southern Area is the first big title you can win.

“It is very prestigious and plenty of top fighters have won it before going to the top.”

The last Southampton fighter to win the strap was Jon Fernandes, who bagged a Southern Area belt in 2012 on a night in which Hobbs was on the undercard.

Other big Southampton names to hold a Southern Area title in the past include Colin Kenna, Steve McCarthy and Matthew Barney.

Hobbs certainly has a live opponent in the shape of Karkadi.

The 28-year-old southpaw from Bristol won his first seven pro fights, but lost last time out on points to Scott Westgarth.

The fight has been put together by Michael Ballingall and the Goodwin team, and Hobbs could barely ask for more experience in his corner than Bendall, who fought for domestic, Commonwealth and World titles in his career.

As always, Hobbs can also rely on some vocal support from his Army colleagues.

He said: “Army wise I think I will be one of the first pro fighters in the army to win a belt if I pull it off, as there are only three of us.”

Anybody wanting ticket, sponsorship or other info can contact Hobbs directly on Facebook and Twitter.