ST JOSEPH’S boxer Mitchell Buckland is out to impress at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday as he targets a contract with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport, writes Andrew Penman.

The 20-year-old beat Newport’s Craig Woodruff to win the Celtic lightweight title in his last fight in September 2013 but now he wants to take a step up.

And Buckland is hoping that a dazzling win over Oxford’s Daza Usher in front of Hearn could land him a deal with Matchroom – the sport’s number one promotion company.

“I want to open a few eyes, show what I can do, and hopefully get signed up by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Buckland.

“They’re the ones to be with now. They’re signing everyone up and that’s who all the best boxers want to be with.”

Brian Powell, manager of both Mitchell and older brother Gary, said: “Mitchell is above a six-rounder now but the reason I took a six-rounder is because I know he can go flat out.

“This is a fight where he has to impress because I want Eddie Hearn to sign up Gary and Mitchell.

“There’s going to be a lot of good nights in Cardiff with Lee Selby and Nathan Cleverly and we want to be part of them all.

“Mitchell has served his apprenticeship and he’s ready to fight for titles now but he’s got to impress in this one.”

Saturday’s bill also features Gary Buckland’s rematch with Gavin Rees, Nathan Cleverly’s cruiserweight debut and Lee Selby’s WBC title eliminator.

Tickets can be purchased from Powell on 07821004684.