Chris Hobbs is aiming to regain his Southern Area light heavyweight belt after landing a title shot against Miles Shinkwin.

The 30-year-old from Southampton won the strap with a hard fought points victory against Jordan Joseph in March, only to lose it to Anthony Yarde two months later.

Yarde has subsequently vacated the belt, and Hobbs is first up to challenge for it, with a September 23 date with Shinkwin at the York Hall, Bethnall Green, his reward for an excellent series of performances in 2017.

Hobbs said: “We are both former champions and both want to get to the top so this will be a great fight.

“After my last fight I have no regrets in taking on Yarde. I would rather fight real fights and real fighters than be a pretender like a lot of so called champions. Yarde will go on and probably be some form of world champion.

“Now it's back to the drawing board and working hard for this fight.

“Miles is a tough tough fighter, he believes he is levels above me and also that he is above area title level. I think he underestimates me but I feel that's happened most of my career and I have still done well.”

Shinkwin, 29, from Watford, has also held the Southern Area title before and has fought for both the British and English titles, losing to Josea Burton and Joel McIntyre respectively.

He boasts a professional record of 13 wins and two defeats from his 15 fights, while Hobbs has six victories, two losses and a draw to his name.

Hobbs will probably go into the fight as a slight underdog, but the pair are evenly enough matched to suggest it could go either way.

“I've seen a few of Miles’ fights and he boxes well but can get drawn into a fight which is exciting for the fans as I like a good scrap,” said serving Army man Hobbs.

“I think his new trainer Don Charles will make his defence better, and also I have fought one of Don’s boxers when I won the title, so he know a little about me, but I have got enough to mix it up.

“My trainers, Glenn and Warren Smith, will have all the game plans. I listen to them and I will be confident in getting the right result.

“I'm excited to be back at York Hall. I have gained many more fans from my last few fights so with them and my Army guys I hope to have York Hall rocking.

“I'm expecting a very tough night but a night where I come out victorious.”

Tickets are available on 07517 121544 while Hobbs is also contactable via Twitter @chrishobbsboxer and on Facebook.