YOUNG Keighley boxer Ibrahim Nadim is aiming big, as he targets an English title this year.

The 24-year-old featherweight is 9-0 so far in his professional career, and will look to make it a perfect 10 this Saturday when he takes on Bulgarian opponent Tinko Banabakov (4-1) at the Oldham Leisure Centre.

Banabakov is a late replacement for injured Nicaraguan Darwin Martinez (7-10-2) and he packs a punch, having knocked out Lazar Pantic in his last fight in December.

It is Nadim's first bout since October 1, and he told the Keighley News: "I've had an injury and been out for a while, so I'm looking forward to Saturday.

"I'm pleased to be fighting Tinko, as I prefer going up against someone with a winning record. I think that's where you see the best of me.

"I've not seen him or Darwin fight before, so I couldn't tell you how similar or different they are as boxers, but I'll do what I need to do on Saturday to get myself the win."

Nadim is confident everything is falling into place for him to maintain his unbeaten professional record this weekend, saying: "I've fought a few times at the Oldham Leisure Centre now, so I've got into a routine here.

"I've had some good rounds of sparring in my training camp with Zelfa Barrett (a 28-2 super-featherweight) and Josh Holmes (a 9-0 super featherweight) too."

Nadim won his first seven professional bouts on points, but he has knocked out his last two opponents.

Asked if that shows he has added power to his armoury, the Keighley native insisted: "I've always thought of myself as a tough puncher.

"I think in my earlier professional fights I was rushing a bit, which is what it's like in the amateurs, a hundred miles per hour.

"But you need to settle down in the professional ranks, and I'm learning to do that now.

"I'm glad its six rounds on Saturday, not four, as it gives you more time to get into the bout, which is what I usually do, get a lot better as the fight go on."

Nadim could not have a much better man in his corner to help him navigate the professional ranks than Ricky Hatton.

The Mancunian won world titles at super-lightweight and welterweight level, and the 44-year-old even got back in the ring a few months ago for a well-received exhibition fight against Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera.

Nadim said: "It's great training under Ricky because he's got loads to teach me.

"It was good to see him have that bout against Barrera in November too, and relive those moments he had in his career.

"There was a really good atmosphere, with it being held in Manchester, and the fans got to relive those famous nights he had in the ring too."

Hatton would love to help Nadim have even half the career he had, and the young Keighley boxer wants to take his talents to the next level this year.

He said: "I haven't got a specific plan for 2023, but I'd love to fight for a title.

"I'd like to go for either a Central Area or English title this year, definitely."