Tom Dallas has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Chatham heavyweight boxer has landed a World heavyweight title fight against unbeaten American southpaw Charles Martin.

Dallas will be fighting on the undercard of the world heavyweight bout between Wladamir Klitscko and Bryant Jennings.

Martin, who boats 18 knock-out wins from his 20 fights, is putting his WBO NABO heavyweight title on the line at Madison Square Garden on April 25.

Dallas, who works as a roofer, said: "The opportunity came up and it’s one which I am never going to get again. I don’t think anyone else around here can say they have fought at Madison Square Gardens.

"People say I may get knocked out but that’s the worst that could happen and I’ve been there and done it before.

"I would rather regret something than not take up the opportunity when it is there. If it works out great, if not I’ll be back on the roof on the Monday."

Dallas was due to be fighting Ali Adams for the Southern Area title but will instead turn his attentions to a big fight in America.

It will be a daunting challenge for Dallas, who hasn’t fought since September 2013, when he lost to Ian Lewison with a second round TKO in a southern area title challenge.

Medway heavyweight Dallas is no stranger to taking on big fights at short notice, having also met David Price four years ago in a British and Commonwealth heavyweight title eliminator.

He lost that fight after a second round knock-out.

Dallas won his first 15 fights but his current record stands at 17 wins (12 Kos) and four losses – all four by TKO.

Read more from Tom Dallas in this Friday's Medway Messenger newspaper as he prepares for the fight of his life.