MITCH Buckland believes it is his “time to shine” on the big stage following the successes of his St Joseph’s stablemates.

And the 23-year-old will be hoping that defending his Celtic super-lightweight title next month can be the catalyst for a shot at the British crown.

Buckland was set to headline the Sanigar Events promotion at the Newport Centre on September 30 but he will now put his belt on the line in Edinburgh three weeks later.

He faces Scotland’s Jason Easton, nicknamed ‘The Tartan Tornado’, at the Meadowbank Sports Centre on October 21.

Sanigar Events say the Newport show, which features St Joseph’s prospect Gavin Gwynne and Blaenavon’s Mason Jones, is still on.

For Buckland, it is the second time he has fought in Scotland, seven years after losing to 2012 Olympian Josh Taylor.

Scot Taylor, who turned pro last year, is also on the bill in Edinburgh where he faces Dave Ryan for the vacant Commonwealth strap.

Buckland last fought in May when he gained a comfortable points victory over Mohamed Larabi in Cardiff – that came eight months after he eased past Ally Black, also on points, to claim the vacant Celtic title.

And having seen his older brother Gary and Selby siblings Lee and Andrew capture the Lonsdale Belt over the last five years, Buckland is ready to make the step up.

“I’m looking forward to defending my Celtic title in Scotland,” he said. “In recent years, having seen the success of my gym mates Lee and Andrew Selby, and my brother Gary, it’s now my time to shine.

“This season I want to win major titles and it starts in Scotland on October 21.”

He added: “I want an eliminator for the British title or a shot at the title itself.

“If I get an eliminator it would be good to have it before the end of the year.”

Like Buckland, Easton, 25, is also unbeaten as a pro, winning all six of his bouts to date.

But Buckland’s managers, Chris Sanigar and Brian Powell, have high hopes for their charge.

They said: “This is a great opportunity for Mitchell to showcase his skills to a television audience.

“We believe he is one of the brightest young talents in South Wales with 11 straight wins.

“This will be a breakthrough year for Mitchell and the opportunity of defending his title in Scotland is just the challenge he needs.”