Martin Rogan has vowed to beat Matt Skelton in Saturday's Commonwealth heavyweight title bout and propel himself into fighting for a world belt.

The Belfast boxer landed the bout with Skelton at the Birmingham NEC by beating Audley Harrison in December.

Skelton, rated 11th by the WBO, will be a strong favourite but Rogan believes that another upset is on the cards.

"I will win this to fight for a world title and I will then go on to win the world title as well," says Rogan.

"I'm not scared of Matt Skelton. I'm the underdog but happy days. It means the punters will win more money."

The Belfastman may be 37 years old but he will be facing a man four years his senior.

"It will the first time I can say when I'm boxing someone:'He's older than me," jokes Rogan.

But the former taxi driver points out that he doesn't have all that much mileage on his boxing clock after his 11 unbeaten professional bouts.

"I'm just getting better and better and stronger and stronger each time I get into the ring.

"This is another step on the ladder for me.

606: DEBATE Put your money on Rogan. You will not be disappointed Les

"I have to take a guy who has been ranked as high as six in the world ratings and who would have thought it?

"But here I am with the help of John (Breen) and Eamonn (Magee)."

Rogan trains out of Breen's gym in central Belfast while former Commonwealth light-welterweight champion Magee has become an increasingly important part of Team Rogan.

The Commonwealth title challenger says he and his handlers have developed a tactical strategy which will outwit Skelton, whose 22-2-0 record includes wins over Julius Francis, Danny Williams and Michael Sprott.

"I can't tell you any more than that or else I would have to shoot you," laughs Rogan.

"Skelton's a bull-like character as he comes forward and throws you about.

"If he wants a rough-and-tumble fight that's fine but there's a referee and he gets paid to do his job."

Skelton, who lost a world title challenge against WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev 14 months ago, claimed the European title when he stopped Italian Paolo Vidoz in December.

However, Skelton's European belt is not at stake in Saturday's contest.

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