TRAINER Paddy Fitzpatrick has labelled Ryan Martin’s next bout as the ‘biggest opportunity of his career’ when he faces Tony Dixon in a Commonwealth title final eliminator in April.

The 25-year-old welterweight will contest Tony Dixon in his next bout, as he looks to move a step closer to a shot at the British and Commonwealth titles.

During his time with Fitzpatrick, Martin has suffered some turbulent times, but his trainer is confident Martin has now kicked on and learned from those experiences ahead of Neilson Boxing’s Fight Town IV.

Martin has been working with Fitzpatrick for three years, and the latter believes the Swindon fighter is finally putting his attributes together to become a complete fighter.

“This fight is the biggest opportunity Ryan has had in his career so far,” said Fitzpatrick.

“The winner will have a chance to fight a man who is the British and Commonwealth champion. One man has both belts.

“It’s a fantastic chance for Ryan and I honestly think it has come at the right time for him too. He’s finally starting to see just how good he is.

“Earlier in his career there were a few question marks but now he is at a stage where he does know how good he is.

“I’m really excited for him. I think his improvements have come from a lot of little things, he knows far more about himself, we get each other and he has great momentum from the Fight Town shows.

“I really do think this is the perfect time for him to get this chance and I think he’ll make the best of it.

“If we do our work correctly I believe Ryan will be a British and Commonwealth champion at the end of the year.”

In the opposite corner to Martin will be Bristol’s Tony Dixon, who has a record of 12 wins and three defeats as a professional.

While aware of the threats posed by Dixon, Fitzpatrick believes Martin will have what it takes to overcome the 27-year-old at the MECA on Saturday, April 18.

“I don’t know Tony personally but I have seen his previous fights and he is a tough and hard man,” added Fitzpatrick.

“He’s proved himself to be of the same calibre as Ryan and now it’s time for both to try to prove who is ahead of the other.

“I think Ryan is a more complete fighter and stylistically it will be a great fight for the crowd.”