Miles Shinkwin believes he will face the toughest fight of his professional career when he challenges for the British title next year.

The Bushey boxer will fight Bob Ajisafe for the British light heavyweight title in February and Shinkwin's sole focus is already on landing the belt.

Unbeaten fighter Shinkwin said: "For the past six months I've said I'm the best fighter in Britain [in the division] and now I can prove it. I think I know what I'm capable of and we will soon find out. If I can't get past him, then I won't be able to get to where I want to."

He added: "He is not a big puncher but he's 6 ft 2in, awkward and a southpaw. He is British champion for a reason and without a doubt it will be my hardest fight. But it will also be the biggest reward for me.

"This is going to take a lot of planning and a really good gameplan so we will go from there.

"I don't want to look past the next fight. It could open a lot of doors but all I'm focused on is getting my hands on the title."

Shinkwin has already started training ahead of next year's title bout. He is expecting his opponent to be in peak condition despite Ajisafe failing to make the weight for his December fight against Tommy Oosthuizen.

He said: "I will train with the expectation I'm up against the best of Bob Ajisafe. I will go in with the attitude he will turn up in great shape. If he doesn't prepare properly then he is going to be in for a very long night."