Folkestone boxer Josh Kennedy says claiming his first English title as a professional later this month would help propel him to the global stage.

Kennedy landed his first belt as a pro in December, earning the title of British Boxing Board of Control Southern Area champion.

The 25-year-old – known as Handsome – overcame the vastly more experienced Jamie Speight in a featherweight contest to make it eight wins from eight since turning pro.

The third-round stoppage was the fifth win via knockout in Kennedy’s career although he will drop back down 4lb on March 18 to fight for the English super bantamweight title, recently vacated by Shaun Davis, who watched him defeat Speight.

Kennedy said: “Shaun was offered the choice to fight me or vacate the belt. I don’t think he had anything to gain from fighting me so it was probably a smart move on his part, although it was annoying for me.”

Kennedy will instead face Michael Ramabeletsa at York Hall, Bethnal Green, who has 15 wins – six of them by knockout – and 15 losses in his career to date.

The South African-born fighter, known as the Trouble Maker, turned 35 in December and has not fought since June when he recorded his third straight win over a nine-month span.

Kennedy said: “He’s a tough and durable bloke and fast. He’s better than his record suggests. Some of his losses have been to massive names, World and European champions, and he’s only been stopped once. It’s a tough fight for me.”

Confidence is high, however, after Kennedy spent a week at a training camp in Huddersfield where he sparred with British super lightweight champion Tyrone Nurse.

Kennedy is ranked eighth in Britain but has loftier ambitions, adding: “That’s not bad at all after eight fights. If I could become English champion, two years after turning pro, then it’s a stepping stone – you start looking for British title fights, European, Commonwealth and Inter-continentals.

“I am doing it the right way. I am champion of the south. If I could win this. then it opens a big door for me. Hopefully. I can be on the world stage within another two years.”

For ticket details, visit Josh Kennedy Boxing on Facebook or call Josh on 07706 444287.