JOE HUGHES faces the biggest night of his pro career when he fights for the vacant English light welterweight title at the Bath Pavilion on Saturday, July 18.

Hughes gets into the ring with Londoner Ryan Taylor for the title recently vacated by Tommy Martin.

Victory would give 24-year-old Hughes, from Malmesbury, a fourth championship belt in as many fights.

He has collected the International Masters, Southern Area and IBO International titles, all at light welterweight (super lightweight) in his last three outings.

Taylor is three years older than Joe and has won 10 of his 14 bouts. Both Taylor and Hughes have gained points victories over the Bulgarian Kristian Dochev.

“Taylor’s nickname is ‘Crash Bang’ and as that suggests he is a fighter who likes to come forward and throw big punches, so it should be a real crowd pleasing night,” said Hughes.

“I have been delighted with the way my training has been going and last week I sparred a couple of times with Commonwealth welterweight champion Sam Egginton.

“Victory against Taylor would put me in a strong position to step up to the next level with a possible shot at the British or Commonwealth titles.”

Tickets for Joe’s Bath Pavilion fight can be booked on www.jhboxing.com.