Medway boxer Charlie Hickford expects to rise to the occasion when he faces a formidable opponent this week.

Queensberry Promotions’ fighter, known as ‘Classy’, will make his BoxNation debut on Thursday night at Ballin’, Maidstone.

Featherweight sensation Hickford (3-0) is set to face Jose Manual Perez, an opponent who boasts an impressive 76% KO rating, with 10 of his 13 victories coming by knockout.

Despite the tough challenge ahead, Hickford is confident and ready to shine in front of a local crowd.

"I've had a great camp," Hickford said.

"I rise to the level of the opponent in front of me.

“This is a decent and very tough opponent who comes to win. I am not looking through anyone, but my focus is on putting on a classy performance and continuing winning ways.

“I want to be busy; activity is the key, and I am hoping for four more fights before the end of the year.

“I don't care where it is, I will travel to the moon if I have to.

“I just want to be under the lights. I want to be fighting for a Youth Title by the end of the year, having one of the big four (WBC, WBO, WBA, IBF) youth titles and starting 2026 off with eight round fights."

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Hickford's coaching team, Dan Woledge Snr and his father Steve, have been instrumental in his development. The 23-year-old trains at Chatham's Ropes & Glory gym.

He said: "My coaching team continues to get the best out of me in the gym.

“My development and progress are always continuing. I've had some great sparring and I am ready to shine."

With the backing of his manager Francis Warren and Queensberry, Hickford feels he is in the best position possible.

He added: "They have such great experience of guiding talent to the world stage. They are the best in the business and it's a great partnership.

“Linking up with BoxNation is a really big milestone. I have great memories of watching Ricky Hatton and so many other great fighters on the BoxNation platform when I was a kid.

“To have the opportunity to box locally is really special. There are some great fighters under the Queensberry banner based in Kent. We could sell out a stadium. I am positive we have some big boxing nights coming to Kent."

Hickford's professional career has been impressive so far.

As an amateur, Hickford was a four-time national champion and a two-time European medalist.

He made a dominant pro debut against Jake Pollard at York Hall, securing a unanimous decision victory.

His second fight saw him triumph over Yin Caicedo at the Copper Box Arena, with Caicedo going down once in the second round. Most recently, Hickford defeated Darwing Martinez at York Hall, continuing his winning streak.

Among those on the bill are Bromley fighters Harry Mullins and Ellis Zorro and hometown boxer Mason Payne, who has won his first two bouts after making his professional debut in August last year.

Tenterden’s Jimmy Dean Wood is set to make his first professional outing when he faces Manchester’s Elliot Eboigbe.