POCKLINGTON Rocket Harry Matthews is undaunted by the prospect of his “biggest ever” professional bout against highly-rated middleweight Chris Eubank junior.

Matthews will take on the son of former world champion Chris Eubank over six three-minute rounds on a televised bill at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre in Sheffield on Saturday, May 12.

Eubank junior, 22, has made an eye-catching start in the pro ranks, winning his three fights so far, including a fourth round stoppage of Paul Allison on Channel Five last weekend.

In taking the Eubank fight, 24-year-old Matthews has given up the chance of fighting in front of Panamanian legend Roberto Duran on an Elland Road dinner show on May 18.

But Matthews, who has won 12 and drawn one of his 18 pro fights, declared the Hillsborough show — which will also be covered by Channel Five – was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I’m really looking forward to this,” he said. “Anyone who is half-decent would be stupid to turn down this fight.

“It is on Channel Five and I am hoping to get a lot of York support. It is a big name fight.

“This is easily the biggest fight I have had but I’ve got a bit of experience now. I have never been stopped and I’ve won more than I’ve lost.

“I am feeling much stronger now. I have got a bit bigger over the last six months and I feel confident of putting on a good display and competing with him.

“I’ve got my promoter, Mark Bateson, to thank for setting this up. Now me and my trainer, Nick Manners, will be working hard for it.”

Meanwhile, Matthews, who has recently qualified as a personal trainer, is planning to run a boxing and physical conditioning class each Tuesday at the Chokdee Academy run by former world Thai boxing champion Richard Cadden.

If there are sufficient numbers interested, the class will be held each Tuesday from 8.15pm to 9.15pm.

For tickets to the Sheffield event, which cost £35 and £75, or to sign up for Matthews’ Chokdee classes, phone the boxer on 07854 543133.