JOE Hughes has his eyes on another shot at the British title once he returns to the ring next month.

The Malmesbury man suffered his first defeat as a professional in early December when he lost on points to Anthony Yigit for the European super-lightweight title at Leicester Arena.

Now the 27-year-old is set to get back in the ring at University of the West of England in Bristol, facing an unnamed opponent on Friday, February 9.

Hughes took reigning British champion Tyrone Nurse to a draw in a bout for the domestic belt, also in Leicester, last April.

And after back-to-back title fights which he was left disappointed by, Hughes says it was important for him to return to the ring sooner rather than later.

“I’m not too bad,” he said. “I’m happy to be getting back in the ring quickly because I wasn’t happy with my performance in my last fight (against Yigit).”

“It’s good to get back nice and quickly, get a win under my belt and then start pushing for the British title again.

“After my last fight I knew I wanted to get back to it. I was disappointed, (but) I won’t be able to put it right because I’ll be fighting someone else.

“This year could be make or break. I have to make sure that I win this fight. I’m still on the right lines, but if I don’t then I won’t be.”

“I’ve got my sights set on having another run at the British title. That has always been the dream for me.

“Losing to someone who is number three in the world (Yigit) doesn’t damage you that much, but if I lose to someone at this level it is the end for me really.”

Despite being underwhelmed by his displays against Yigit and Nurse, Hughes reckons he has proved to himself that he is capable of competing with the sport’s elite.

“There are definitely things that I could have done better in both fights, tactically and in the lead up to them,” he added.

“I always thought I was good enough to compete, but it is always good to go out there and prove it, not just to other people, but to yourself.

“Sometimes you can’t help thinking negatively, I’ve proved myself at that level now and no one can say I’m not at that level.”

Hughes is set to feature on a professional and amateur card in Bristol and is scheduled for an eight-round encounter.