RHIANNON Dixon will defend her world title for the first time later this summer.
The Great Sankey boxer will put her WBO lightweight title on the line in an all-British showdown with Terri Harper, who is looking to become a three-weight world champion, on Saturday, August 24.
The fight will take place at Manchester's Co-op Live as part of a Matchroom Boxing card headlined by Chorley fighter Jack Catterall's super-lightweight showdown with America's Regis Prograis and will be streamed live on DAZN.
Dixon ascended to world glory by outpointing Argentina's Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in April to add to the Commonwealth and European crowns she has already won.
And while insisting she expects "the best version" of her opponent, she says she is "extremely confident" in her ability to ensure her belt stays in Warrington.
"I’m really excited about the fight at Co-op Live in Manchester on August 24," said Dixon, whose professional record stands at 10 wins from as many bouts including one stoppage.
"I respect what Terri has achieved in boxing and I expect the best version her.
"However, I continue to get better and better and I am extremely confident in my abilities to win on August 24."
Yorkshirewoman Harper has won world honours at super-featherweight and welterweight but her last outing saw her knocked out by current WBO super-welterweight champion Sandy Ryan back in March.
And with two defeats now on her 18-fight record, she says this fight is "all or nothing" for her.
"I always enjoy a fight week and fight night in Manchester. There's always a good buzz being in the city," she said.
"I'm super excited to perform in the new Co-op Live arena on such a brilliant card.
"Rhiannon Dixon is someone who I have a lot of respect for, she is very respectful and there’s no horrible ego with her. She's just a genuine nice girl.
"I feel very fortunate to be given such a great opportunity and I feel like this fight is all or nothing for me.
"Becoming a three-weight world champion would be a dream but the most important thing for me now is to get a solid win under my belt and be back on top."
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