Charlie Hickford believes he’s destined for great things but knows he has plenty of hard work ahead.

Following a superb debut as a professional, ‘Classy’ Charlie is back in the ring this Saturday in a four-round contest at the Copper Box Arena in London.

The 22-year-old featherweight from Cliffe eased to victory against Jake Pollard in late November at York Hall and is matched against Colombian Yin Caicedo - an opponent with nine wins from 27 bouts on his pro record - who is sure to give him more of a test this time.

Hickford said: “My debut was fantastic, the support and following that I am building in Medway is phenomenal. It’s great that I get to share these nights with so many of my friends and family.

“I did 250 tickets for the York Hall. When I walked out the atmosphere was amazing, it’s a real buzz and I can’t thank everyone enough for getting behind me. I am really looking forward to the journey.

“From a young age, I’ve worked extremely hard and really dedicated myself to get where I am, and when you step out for your debut, live on TNT Sports, in a packed venue, it makes all the early-morning miles on the road in the cold winter months worthwhile!

“I remember going to the Copper Box with my dad to watch the Olympic boxing in 2012. The atmosphere was electric and to be getting the opportunity to be boxing in my second pro fight, on such a great card, for Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, I’m starting to live my dream - but I know I must stay grounded as it’s a long road to world honours.

“I know I am destined to achieve great things in this sport, I am a special talent and confident in my ability. I’ve got a great team behind me and I can’t wait for the weekend to get in the ring, shine, and put on a classy performance.”

There’s a stacked card for the Queensberry Promotions show with Hickford’s stablemate Karol Itauma (11-1) also in action as he faces a scheduled eight-rounder against Eros Seghetti in the light heavyweight division.

Itauma, from Chatham, has bounced back from his WBC international title defeat by winning his last two fights on points. His weekend opponent, from Italy, has won 10 of his 11 previous bouts, with a drawn contest the only blot on his record ahead of his debut fight in the UK.

Maidstone’s Sam ‘Midge’ Noakes will be looking to claim the British Lightweight Championship crown over 12 rounds.

Hickford said: “Us boys all train together with industry-leading strength and conditioning coach Jordan Vine. We all get on great outside of the ring and when Midge claims the British, it’s going to be some night for the stable and Kent boxing.

“To be part of all this on only my second pro fight, I can’t thank my manager Francis Warren, Queensberry Promotions and my main sponsor RLH Industrial Services enough.”

Chatham’s Grant ‘Go Getter’ Dennis (18-6), meanwhile, is back in action with a scheduled bout at the Brentwood Centre against home fighter James ‘Ozzy’ Osborne, who boasts four wins from four.