Thaxton (right) won his title with a single punch against Juan Melero

Jon Thaxton says his first defence of his European lightweight title next month will be a tough task.

Thaxton faces French champion Anthony Mezaache at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday, 28 February, and he told BBC Radio Norfolk it will not be easy.

"I've read a little bit about him, that he's very durable, very fit and always comes to fight.

"He's French champion, but fighting for the European title, he's got everything to gain and nothing to lose," he said.

Thaxton admits he has got a lot more riding on the fight than the 30-year-old Frenchman.

"It's a dangerous opponent for me, I can't slip up, this could be a potential banana skin.

"We're taking nothing for granted, taking nothing lightly, and the training is going fantastic," he said.

The Norwich fighter also revealed that he is feeling just as positive as he was before his third round knockout of Juan Melero in October.

"I'm firing, I feel really good, really relaxed, but more importantly really happy.

"Last time I was happy and I was spot on, I came in relaxed and my right hook did the business, who knows it could be my left hook this time," he said.

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