Winning the British Masters Bronze light-middleweight title would mean the world to rising Sudbury star, Billy Bird.

The 21-year-old puts his unbeaten record (9-0-0) on the line against Leicester’s Simon Henry tonight, in a bout that represents his first at championship level.

Ipswich Town fan Bird will be supported by over 100 friends and family at Norwich’s St Andrew’s Hall, and the youngster, with one knock-out to his name in his professional career, is determined to bring the belt back to Suffolk.

Bird said: “I am only 21 and I have still got a lot to learn, but to be fighting for a British Masters belt in my tenth fight, I couldn’t ask for more at this stage.

“It’s going to make a great spectacle, I have got brilliant support behind me and nothing would give me more pleasure than bringing that belt back for them.

“They pay their-hard-earned money to watch me and without them I would not be here.

“I am not just boxing for myself, I am boxing for my girlfriend, my family and my supporters and winning the belt would mean the world to me and would be a great start to the year.

“I am also a big Ipswich Town fan and walking out with the belt at Portman Road is something I think about. Who knows?”

Bird’s opponent has three wins, a loss and a draw from his five bouts and, like the Suffolk boxer, is a relative novice at professional level.

A tough fight is anticipated, but Bird is confident he can get the job done.

“I am feeling good, I sharpened up on Wednesday and I am ready to rock and roll,” added Bird.

“Everything has gone to plan, I have been training since December and have had a training camp in Marbella which went really well.

“I was lucky enough to spar a few rounds with Duane Green, who drew with Henry, which was tough, and Ben Hall, who defeated Henry, so I know what to expect.

“I have always said from day one that boxing, for me, is like a tough sparring session with an audience watching and as long as I know I have given 110% in training then, win or lose, you can’t ask for anymore than that.

“I am sure Simon will be in the best shape possible, but I have been training since the 1st of December, I have been disciplined and I am confident I will get the job done.”

Bird is boxing on the undercard of Norfolk fighter Nathan Dale’s IBF Youth super lightweight title clash against Belgium’s Bogdan Galaev.

Dale has 16 wins from 16 fights, including four knock-outs.