Jack Bateson: I've always dreamed of this moment!

Jack Bateson is aiming to achieve a lifelong dream when he competes for the first title of his professional career in front of his lively Leeds supporters tonight.

Unbeaten Bateson (14-0, 3 KOs) faces Mahmood (11-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant English super-bantamweight title on the MTK Global and Mark Bateson co-promotion at the Leeds United Banqueting Suite at Elland Road on Friday, with the event broadcast live on IFL TV.

Bateson is expecting a difficult test against Mahmood, but the Leeds favourite hopes a win can lead to even more huge nights in the near future.

Bateson said: "I'm very excited! It's my first title as a professional and a special title to win. There's a lot of great fighters that started out by winning the English title and went on to do big things. I plan on doing just that.

"I don't know loads about my opponent but I've seen a few of his fights. I'm expecting the best Ramez Mahmood and I'm prepared for whatever he brings on the night. I'm ready!

"To be fighting for my first title here in Leeds on a co promotion show from MTK and my Dad Mark is special. It's night like this I've always dreamt of so I'm sure it will be one that stays with me forever.

"This is the biggest night of my career for sure. Everything I've done as an amateur and professional in the past doesn't matter anymore. The experience will definitely help but I'm in the big fights now and I'll use everything I've learned along the way to see me through and get the win.

"My Leeds lot never let me down. I've sold hundreds of tickets for this fight and the support my city has always showed me is unreal so I can't thank them enough. They will be making the noise on Friday!

"The only way is up after this! I'm fully focused on getting the job done on Friday but from there I hope to work my way up the rankings even further. The British, Commonwealth and European won't be far away. But of course I need to get the job done on Friday and I'm not looking past that."

Elsewhere on Friday's card, Darren Tetley, Ellis Hopkins and Will Harrison are among those in action, along with several local rising stars.