JOE Hughes will put his European super-lightweight title on the line when going toe-to-toe with British Champion Robbie Davies Jnr at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on March 30.

The 28-year-old recorded one of the best wins of his career last time out when beating Italian fighter Andrea Scarpa in Florence, Italy, back in November following a split decision for the vacant EBU European strap.

That victory followed what had been a stagnated 12 months for the Malmesbury-based boxer, who fought twice last year – winning both.

With a record of 17-3-1, Hughes anticipates a tough encounter against Davies Jnr – who will be fighting in front of his home crowd.

He said: “I feel good, the fight in Italy went well.

“Going over to Italy to fight against an Italian is usually a tough ask because of the judges.

“And it is true. One of the judges gave the fight to Scarpa despite myself winning most of the rounds.

“This fight is in Liverpool to fight a Liverpudlian, so it’s not quite as bad. But I’m still the away fighter and will be in his own backyard.

“But I’m confident and looking forward to it.

“Robbie Davies Jnr is obviously a good fighter, you have to be if you’re the defending British champion.”

Davies Jnr has only one loss to his name since turning professional and is unbeaten in 18 months.

After losing his WBA Continental super-lightweight belt to Poland’s Michal Syrowatka back in July 2017 – his only loss – Davies Jnr regained his crown on the same card last year against Syrowatka.

Hughes described Davies Jnr’s skill and ability to switch stance as his key strengths ahead of the fight.

He added: “He’s only lost one fight, and he’s a good boxer.

“He’s skilful and switches stances and has a good knockout ratio as well.

“He’s definitely a good fighter, it will be a good challenge for me – that’s what it is all about.”

Training for Hughes, meanwhile, will soon start to step up a gear following some time off over Christmas to spend with his family.

Currently training twice a week, the European title holder will add an additional session to his training schedule throughout February and March while increasing the intensity.

“We’re still 10 weeks away from the fight, but I enjoyed some time off over Christmas and spent it with the family,” said Hughes.

“This month I’m getting back into training, though nothing too crazy. Right now, I’m building a base by training twice a day.

“Then we’ll hammer it and go flat out in February and March. I’m normally training three times a day at that point at high intensity.”