It’s fair to say Reece Bellotti has made serene progress during his fledgling career, but he is fully aware of the increasing challenge that awaits him.

The disappointment of the biggest fight of his career, which was due to take place at London’s O2 arena on Saturday, being called off has done little to quell his appetite to develop.

He’ll get his chance to grace one of the country’s leading venues in his next fight on July 1.

No opponent has been named yet, but Bellotti is certain the challenge will be tougher than any he has faced in his nine professional bouts to date.

“It’s 100 per cent every stage from here on out is going to get harder and it is definitely not going to be any easier,” Bellotti explained to iFL TV.

“You do your apprenticeship and know it is not going to be easy. Every step from now will be hard.

“I am looking forward to what I will be boxing for on July 1.”

Bellotti’s comments came in the wake of receiving high praise from promoter Eddie Hearn, who has tipped the Watford featherweight to have an impressive career.

Hearn’s confidence is hardly misplaced and Bellotti has shown few signs of struggling against any of his opponents to date.

Indeed, his most recent triumph, a brutal third round stoppage of Dai Davies at York Hall, carried all the hallmarks of a boxer who has outgrown journeyman opposition.

Seven more of his fights have ended in equally emphatic fashion and the 26-year-old carries an unblemished record.

Talk of a British title shot near the end of the year will not be too far wide of the mark should Bellotti make similarly swift work of his next rival.

While compliments from Hearn are a welcome reminder of Bellotti’s growing status, the man himself is instead simply focused on winning his next fight.

He said: “it is good to hear him about me in that way. This is the fight game though.

“I will take every fight as it comes and I will fight anyone, people know that.

“With Jim (trainer Jim McDonnell) and the rest of the boys directing me, whatever fight they say I can do I will do.

“I know I keep saying it and it is a bit boring but that is the way it is.”

Bellotti’s inclusion at the O2 event sees him form part of a talented and youthful undercard as Frank Buglioni looks to defend his British light-heavyweight title for the first time.

The North Londoner takes on Ricky Summers and the night will be televised live on Sky Sports.

Ted Cheeseman also faces Matthew Ryan for the English super-middleweight title in what is an eliminator for a British title shot.