HOLME WOOD boxer Darren Tetley says he is out to make a statement in front of his home fans when he returns to the ring in March.

Tetley, who has 17 wins from as many professional fights, will headline a card at the Bradford Hotel on March 9 against an opponent that is still be announced.

Back in November, Tetley - who is on a short-list of three for the Bradford Sportsman of the Year - marked his maiden bout in the city with a points win over William Warburton and is eager for another home-town win to kickstart 2019.

“It’s great to be coming back to Bradford once again and I’m looking forward to getting the year started with a bang,” Tetley told the T&A.

“Then, I’m looking for a busy year with some big fights. That all starts on March 9.

“My last fight was brilliant. I thought that the atmosphere was really good. I just want to keep building on that now. I want the venue to be even busier and to sell even more tickets to the show.”

“It’s great to keep active and this will be my second fight in four months, which is brilliant. It’s really important to me and my manager for me to stay busy.

“By fighting in March and hopefully putting on a good show, then I can be fit and ready for a big fight in the summer, which will hopefully come up, that’s the plan.”

Late last year Tetley saw his WBO European title taken from him, without his knowledge. His fight in March won’t be for a title, which he admits is disappointing, but he wants to make a big impression to put himself back in contention.

“It is frustrating to not have the title fights,” added the 25-year-old. “But, it is a fight at the end of the day against an opponent who, if he hits me clean on the chin, could easily knock me out.

“If I can sell out the Bradford Hotel, then in my next fight, we’ll look for a bigger venue and we’ll build up to those fights that way.

“Like I’ve said before, I love boxing in Bradford. Hopefully in time, I can bring the title fights to Bradford. If people don’t get behind these events then those fights aren’t going to happen.”

“Me and Mick Marsden (manager and trainer) have been back in the gym since November working on specific aspects of my game and my technique.”

“Hopefully on March 9 we can show people what we’ve been working on.

“I think I’ve neglected specific technique drills in the past. I’ve known what I can do and it’s worked against the opposition that I’ve faced. Now, I’m learning more and taking on what Mick is teaching me.”