NEWPORT’S Craig Woodruff turned 21 on Wednesday and he’s ready to come of age in the ring this year.

The Welsh lightweight champion switches to super-featherweight to take on Merthyr’s Dai Davies for the British Masters title at the Newport Centre tomorrow night.

And he’s already looking ahead to a possible challenge for the British title within 12 months.

Ambitious Alway trainer Steve Sims, himself a former British featherweight champ, has already lined up Woodruff’s next fight.

Victory against Davies tomorrow will see the Newport youngster face off with Scotland’s Ronnie Clark back in Newport on September 21.

That fight would be for the Celtic belt and could act as a British title eliminator but Woodruff knows he can’t take 30-year-old Davies lightly.

“He’s got a lot more experience than me so I can’t underestimate him,” said Woodruff.

“But I’m training hard now; there is no more messing about. It showed last time and it will show again.

“It was my birthday this week and I’ll have a double celebration after I win on Saturday night.

“Hopefully I beat this guy and then it’ll be the Celtic title and a British title fight before too long.”

Woodruff would like a crack at British super-featherweight champion Gary Buckland and his brother Mitchell, who both train at Newport’s St Joseph’s gym.

Mitchell Buckland inflicted Woodruff’s one defeat in five fights as a pro in Newport in July 2012.

“I’m not quite at British title level yet but I think I’m only two or three fights away and hopefully I’ll go above that level as well,” he said.

“I’d have to get more experience before I was ready to face someone like Gary Buckland because he’s a good fighter.

“I’d like to fight Mitchell Buckland again. He beat me fair and square last time but I’m a much better fighter now.

“I’m a lot fitter and a lot more determined to win and I won’t back down from any opponent.

“I’m not in it to mess about any more. It’s business and it’s a career, something I’ll be doing for the next ten years hopefully.

“Steve doesn’t give me much rest, he trains me hard and it’s paying off.”

Also in action on the Warrior Promotions bill tomorrow is St Joseph’s star Frankie Borg, who faces Gary Cooper for the Welsh middleweight title, as well as local favourites Jerome Samuels and Craig Kennedy.

The action starts at 8pm and tickets will be available on the door or from Warrior general manager Greg Steene on 07572 421365.