LUKE Watkins is looking forward to getting back to where it ‘matters most’ when he fights at the Oasis Leisure Centre a week on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a prestigious start to his professional career boxing at Wembley Arena on the undercard of a George Groves’ European title bout, before heading out to Germany to fight in front of 8,000 fans on a world title show.

On November 1, the Duke will be back home for his third fight in the paid ranks as the co-main event with Kelvin Young on the By Any Means Necessary show.

“I’m back at home, back where it matters the most,” the cruiserweight said.

“Germany was tough. There were a lot of people there, but it is nice that I’m able to get involved in my home town.

“The support that I have been receiving from Swindon has been massive, I’m looking forward to be able to be putting on a show in Swindon for these people – it means the world to me.

“Being co-top of the bill as well. I’m buzzing for it. It is an absolute privilege, I’m over the moon about it, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I would have been happy just coming back to Swindon but to comeback and be alongside Kelvin as the co-main event I’m over the moon.”

The Paddy Fitzpatrick-trained fighter will face Radek Linka, who has won seven fights, six inside the distance, in what could be an explosive contest with the Czech cruiserweight only hearing the final bell twice in his 11-fight career.

And Watkins is all too aware that he has had a privileged start to his career.

“I’m gobsmacked (by the start that I have had).” he said “But I have got to keep my feet on the ground and stay level headed and go with it, go with the flow, enjoy every minute of it.

“I remember talking to you when I first got back (from Germany and) I didn’t have much to say then.

“I was still absorbing it all and I had been a little bit ill. I had been in the best shape I could have been but my immune was low.

“It has been massive, you can see the smile on my face, it has been a massive achievement for me personally. I love what I’m doing.

“I hope that I can put Swindon on the map as well, a lot of people are liking boxing in Swindon at the moment – it is good.”

Meanwhile, there will be an open workout at Fiztpatrick’s Gym tomorrow from 11am involving Watkins, Young, Kelly, Tariq Quaddus and Ryan Martin.

Tickets for the By Any Means Necessary show are priced £60 VIP/ringside and £35 unreserved seating. For more information visit www.kmpromotions.co.uk