Tom Dallas hopes a shot at the Southern Area title will open the way for a route to the top in the British heavyweight scene.

The 26-year-old is set to meet with Larry Olubamiwo on January 13 at York Hall, Bethnal Green and both men could be fighting for the prestigious area title.

Dallas (pictured) hasn’t fought since losing to David Price in June and is eager to get back into the ring.

That knock-out ended a run of 15 straight wins for the Chatham heavyweight.

Dallas said: "I’m in good shape and this will mean I have to train over Christmas but I don’t mind that as long as I have something to aim for.

"I feel confident that I can beat Larry and then that would open the door for me."

Dallas has been kept in tip-top shape by John McDermott – the current Southern Area title holder – who was sparring with the Chatham boxer in preparation for his own British title eliminator fight with Price.

McDermott beat 33-year-old Olubamiwo from Hackney in February to claim the Southern Area belt but could leave it vacant as he seeks bigger and better things.

Dallas’ manager Mark Roe is looking forward to getting things back on track for his boxer.

He said: "Tom hasn’t fought for six months but the break might have done him some good.

"We could have come back with an easy opponent but this will give Tom something to focus his mind and get back to where we want to be – back in the firing line.

"We are not far away from challenging at the top and this would give us a great platform to launch an assault."

Do you think Dallas will be back with a bang after the break? Have your say below.