Adam Dingsdale grew up wanting to be like Derry Mathews.

And now he’s been given the chance to fight him for the vacant WBA Continental lightweight title.

The pair will meet at the Liverpool Echo Arena on October 25 as chief support to the IBF World super flyweight title fight between Paul Butler and Zolani Tete.

It’s the kind of fight Dingsdale, from Hoo, has dreamed of being involved in.

He said: “It’s a massive fight and there is no bigger name out there, in Britain, at lightweight.

“He’s a quality fighter and I was a fan myself for years before I turned pro.

“It shows that all the hard work I have put in has paid off. I was once his fan and now I’m his rival.

“I’ve seen all of his fights and it’s an honour to fighting him. I can’t wait.”

Mathews has fought at all levels, previously boxing for world titles, and in May he clinched the British lightweight crown with a split-decision win over Martin Gethin. Mathews has since relinquished that belt.

Dingsdale’s last fight was in June when he beat Floyd Moore for the Southern Area title.

Liverpudlian Mathews will have a home crowd behind him and will go into next month’s fight as favourite.

But Dingsdale, who came close to beating Stephen Ormond in a hastily-agreed WBO European lightweight title fight last year, is confident of causing an upset.

“I’m 100% confident that I can win,” said the 26-year-old.

“The fight is in his backyard but if I can win this then it will be massive for me. I would be in the top five world rankings in the WBA. I will really be knocking on the door to big things then.

“I think the fight has come at the right time. Derry is still a great fighter but not as good as he once was.

“There aren’t any bigger names in Britain although there are probably a few who are better.

“When I fought Stephen Ormond I wasn’t even 50% fit but I came close and some people even thought I nicked it. Ormond’s next fight after me was against Derry and he won that, so that’s given me confidence.

“I am already in good shape and close to my fight weight. It’s just about working out the tactics now. I know all about him and will know what to expect.”

For the next month Dingsdale will be able to concentrate full-time on his preparations, thanks to a sponsorship from Southern Pipe Repairs.

He said: “That will help me focus on my boxing and for three or four weeks I don’t have to go into work. Their sponsorship is a massive bonus.”

Dingsdale has now pulled out of his planned appearance at Glow, Bluewater on October 4.

“This is a big fight, a big opportunity and I had to take it,” he said. “I’ve been buzzing ever since it was officially announced on Tuesday.”