Phoenix fighter Josh Holmes hoping to make it a perfect 10!

The 25-year-old, who fights out of Robert Rimmer’s stable in Denton, recently announced that bout number six will take place next month.

Holmes will be out for the first time since being added to Dennis Hobson’s Fight Academy and will return to the Sheffield Arena, the scene of his last victory over Levi Dunn.

The former Eastburn ABC champion is set to feature on the undercard of Kash Ali’s heavyweight clash with Tomas Salek for the vacant IBF European title on May 28th.

Paul Holt had been put forward as a potential opponent, but the Birmingham southpaw is now otherwise engaged having taken a fight against Ryan Garner at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

“I’ve been non-stop since the new year,” said Holmes. “We are flying at the moment, training twice a day, getting ready for May 28th.

“It was going to be a step up for me and a bigger test, but he’s fighting somebody else now earlier in the month. It doesn’t really matter who I’m fighting, but that would have been a good challenge.

“I feel like I’m in a position to step it up now, but I leave it up to my manager [Kevin Maree] because we’re in no rush.

“I want to move things forward at a fact pace sometimes, but Kev has got my best interests at heart. He knows the right fights to pick at the right time.

“We’re hoping to build some momentum before reaching the next stage. It’s important to keep busy and build some consistency.

“I want to be 10-0 by the end of the year and if I can achieve that with some stoppages on my record then I’ll be in a good position.”

Holmes acknowledges that there’s no place for him to hide after signing a promotional deal alongside Zak Miller 3-0 (1) and Dan Catlin 5-0 (2).

His new contract will present more windows of opportunity for him going forward and he’s grateful for the platform that he’s been given.

He said: “Rob [Rimmer] is buzzing for me because it’s not often that you come by these sorts of opportunities at this stage of your career.

“There are fighters in my gym that have been involved in boxing much longer than me and they’re still waiting for their opportunity to come.

“There are plenty of options available for me. I’m under contract now so there’s nowhere to hide. I’ve got to perform now!

“I’ve got a point to prove and I’ve got to show that I was worthy of this contract. I’m ready to show everybody what I’m about. I’m going to put my name in the mix.”