Former Repton man will defender British title at The O2 on March 4

Former Repton amateur Frank Buglioni has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and will defend his British light-heavyweight title against Ricky Summers at The O2 on March 4.

Buglioni ripped the crown from Hosea Burton in an epic clash in Manchester in December, stopping the local favourite in the last round of a gruelling fight-of-the-year contender.

The former super-middleweight world title challenger makes the first defence of his crown against the unbeaten Summers, and for ‘Wise Guy’ his aims are clear as he prepares for his first fight with new promoter Eddie Hearn.

“I wanted to get the British title and prove to myself and the fans that I was championship material and could put on a performance,” said Buglioni.

“I’ve worked hard to get the British title and I want to win it outright, I don’t think that it’s been done for over 25 years in my division, so I really want to achieve that. I’m looking to get this one out of the way and look for two more defences to make that happen.

“There’s no such thing as an easy British title defence as anyone that fights for the title is going to give it everything they’ve got. It’s one of the best belts out there and it means so much to win it – Hosea and I proved back in December just how much fighters give in order to land it.

“The immediate aim is to get the Lord Lonsdale belt for keeps but of course, if European or World title shots present themselves, that’s something the team will consider and look at the options.

Buglioni and Summers meet on a huge night at The O2 as David Haye and Tony Bellew clash in a blockbusting heavyweight grudge match.

There’s more London against Liverpool rivalry on the menu as Hackney’s Ohara Davies defends his WBC Silver super-lightweight title against Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews.

Sam Eggington faces the biggest night of his career against former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi, while Irish amateur star Katie Taylor boxes for the third time in the pros.

Tickets for Haye vs. Bellew sold out in record-breaking time when they went on sale in December, but all the action is live on Sky Sports Box Office.