Miles Shinkwin concedes the International Masters Title he fights for tomorrow “isn’t that great” but says he is preparing for the bout against Josef Krivka as if it was for a world title.

Shinkwin takes on Czech Republic fighter Krivka at the prestigious York Hall and it is the Bushey boxer’s first contest since November.

The 25-year-old may not be competing for a world title but he is taking nothing for granted against an opponent whose four victories during his eight-bout career have come by knock out.

“This fight is a step up for me,” Shinkwin admits. “I know the title isn’t that great but it would be my first. So I am taking it very seriously and for me this is like going for a world title.”

Krivka could prove a tricky opponent. He has lost half of his eight fights but when he wins, he wins early.

It’s something Shinkwin is aware of and he says he is expecting a quick start from the 36-year-old.

“When he has knocked out an opponent, he has done it by the second round,” the former Queens School pupil said.

“So I am expecting him to go hard and make a fast start. But that could help later on in the fight as hopefully he will tire and I can then take advantage. It certainly won’t be an easy fight though.”

Shinkwin’s last bout was a stoppage win against Vaclav Polak on November 16. It has been a long wait to return to the ring and he admits it has been frustrating.

But Shinkwin, a former Bushey Boxing Club fighter, believes his time in the gym has helped him improve.

He said: “It has been frustrating because when I don’t fight, I don’t get paid. And the more you fight the quicker you can progress. But my time in the gym has helped me, I have learned a lot and improved.”

Saturday’s fight will be Shinkwin’s first scheduled ten round contest.

Shinkwin has his sights set on the Southern Area title after the British Boxing Board of Control put his proposed bout with the champion Leon Senior up for purse bids.

A date for a bout has yet to be set but Shinkwin said: “I’m hoping it will take place at the end of May, which would be ideal for me.”

Shinkwin is sponsored by The Shire golf course, Holywell Grab and Skip Hire, RCD printers, Boxfit and SRD Recruitment.