Alan Jones (left) and British middleweight champion Scott Dann

Jones, who works as a farmer, faces champion Scott Dann at the Plymouth Pavilions on Friday, 4 February.

And the 28-year-old said: "Fighting for the British title is the highlight of most boxers' careers. A fight like this could have passed me by.

"But I've worked really hard. There's a lot of people behind me and I'm not going to let them down."

Jones is unbeaten in 10 fights (nine wins and one draw) since turning professional in 2001, with the most impressive result being a points win over Jim Rock.

Plymouth-based Dann won the belt with a sixth-round stoppage over previously unbeaten Steve Bendall in September.

His first shot at the title came back in 2003 when he was stopped in the third round by Howard Eastman, who takes on Bernard Hopkins for his WBC middleweight title later this month.

Dann, 30, should have a substantial home support behind him, and has warned Jones to expect a rough ride.

I desperately want to win, not just for myself but also for the people who have done so much for me Alan Jones

"I want to make the belt mine for life," said Dann, who has only two defeats from 22 fights.

"It's a beautiful belt, so well crafted and it's the most prestigious belt for a British fighter.

"He [Jones] is going to have to really, really want to take the belt.

"He's going to have to box out of his skin to beat me to take the belt away from me."

And producing the best display of his fledgling career is exactly what Jones is promising to do.

His preparation has included sparring sessions with Belfast's WBU welterweight champion Eamonn Magee, and Jones believes he is in the shape of his life despite having to balance his training with the rigours of working on the family farm.

"I could never have had this opportunity to fight for a British title," he said.

"I'm really excited about it and I'm really chuffed it's come my way.

"My coach, Nick Hodges, did a lot of work getting me the fight and I appreciate that very much.

"I desperately want to win, not just for myself but also for the people who have done so much for me."