Frankie Gavin will defend his British welterweight title for the first time against Jason Welborn in Walsall on January 18.

The 27-year-old, who is Britain's only world champion at amateur level, defeated veteran fighter Junior Witter at York Hall at the start of the month, maintaining his 14-fight unbeaten record.

"It's great to be back in action so soon after beating Witter and especially in January which means I can get more fights throughout the year," said Gavin. "I've stayed in shape after the Witter fight and I'd be ready to fight this Saturday if I had to.

"Welborn is a good tough fighter, but there's no way I'm letting this belt go so he's got to bring something special to the ring if he's going to beat me."

Gavin has predicted big things in his future, but said that he wants to "clean up domestically" before trying to add a professional world title to his amateur strap.

"My aim for next year is to keep fighting regularly and win the Lonsdale belt outright, that would be my dream, and then I want the Commonwealth and European titles," he added. "Next year is the year I clean up domestically before looking at world titles.

"I know what I can achieve in this sport and beating Witter to become British champion is only the start, I'm going all the way to the world title."

Welborn, 26, will bring a 10-1 record to the contest.