ST Joseph's boxer Gary Buckland will step up his bid for a British or Commonwealth title shot by fighting live on Sky Sports next week, the Argus can reveal.

Lightweight Buckland, 21, unbeaten in 12 bouts as a professional and already a Celtic champion, meets Latvian-born Mansfield fighter Alex-ander Spitjo, whose 4-0-3 record perhaps doesn't reflect his pedigree, given that he's won his last four fights.

Buckland's clash will feature on the undercard of the Rendell Munroe v Kiko Martinez super-bantam-weight clash at Nottingham's Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre on Friday, March 7, the day before Enzo Macca-rinelli's showdown with David Haye.

The Frank Maloney show is seen as an ideal opportunity for Buckland to be exposed to a wider audience and could lead to bigger and better things.

Maloney will be promoting Ricky Hatton's homecoming show' in May and Buckland could be in with a chance of a spot on that bill if he impresses.

Manager Brian Powell explained: "This is a big chance for Gary to follow up on his great win against Martin Watson.

"It's a very difficult fight, but the exposure will be fantastic, it's a great opportunity."

Meanwhile, the Argus can also reveal that Buckland will lead a glittering bill of homegrown talent at the Newport Centre on Saturday, April 5.

Five of Gwent's brightest boxing prospects are all set to feature, as well as a returning hero.

Buckland, Newport's Matt-hew Edmonds, Abercarn's Jamie Way, Cefn Fforest's Rob Turley and Robbie James will all be back in the spotlight.

However, perhaps the most intriguing participant on the night will be Cwmbran's former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jamie Arthur.

Arthur, 28, a former Frank Warren fighter, won a lightweight title back in 2002.

He hung up his gloves three years ago after two successive stoppage defeats, choosing to focus on a career as a fitness instructor, opening his own gym in Newport.

However, Arthur has now had a change of heart and is ready for action again.

"When I finished I absolutely hated the game," says Arthur.

"I was boxing full-time and I wasn't making any money and, with a family and a mortgage, I was feeling the pressure.

"Since then I've set up some businesses to get some money behind me, so now it's not about financial gains, it's about fulfilling my potential.

"I finished a little bit prematurely and didn't do as well as I should have.

"I've had a look around and don't see anything much out there, so I think I could do well.

"Maybe people will think I'm washed up and fancy their chances - then I can surprise them all, like I did at the Commonwealth Games!"