Darren Sutherland is set to fight the man who took James DeGale the distance during the Briton's professional debut back in February.
Vepkhia Tchilaia will take on Sutherland at Fenton Manor Sports Complex on May 29, and the Dubliner knows that beating the Georgian will send a clear message out to the much heralded DeGale.
Sutherland managed to beat DeGale four times as an amateur but lost the pair's biggest bout to date - in the Olympic semi-finals last August.
The 27-year-old is pleased at landing a bout with Tchilaia, with his promoter Frank Maloney saying: "DeGale's camp claimed he was taken the distance by Tchilaia because of his awkwardness.
"There isn't much they can say if Darren walks right through him like he did his first two professional rivals.
"I just hope DeGale keeps winning because two years down the line we will have a big, big fight against Sutherland in an arena or football stadium.
"Darren's trainer, Brian Lawrence, believes he will be so far ahead of DeGale by then that the fight will not happen.
"Darren wanted a decent test, and if he can stop Tchilaia it really will give him a boost. This guy is a decent test and been preparing since last month."
Boxing: Sutherland ready to face Tchilaia | Setanta
Sutherland is an Irishman like myself and I hope he goes very far.
I know it's a bit early to be judging him yet,but he seems to have a style suited to the pro's.
What do you guys think?
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