British featherweight champion John Simpson insists he is far too young to be considered the wizened old pro in his title defence against 20-year-old Paul Appleby at the Kelvin Hall on June 6.

The 24-year-old has the chance to win the Lonsdale Belt outright when he faces unbeaten Appleby who is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Scottish boxing after 11 successive wins including eight inside the distance.

Despite having had seven title fights so far, Simpson claims

most of his career is still in front of him.

He said: "I've not peaked yet. I am still up and coming myself and I have plenty more to show.

"I will be training hard as I did for my last two defences and hopefully I will keep the belt and be installed as the mandatory challenger for the European title.

"If I don't win this then I won't get a European title fight so this is the most important fight for me.

"Winning the Lonsdale belt would mean a lot to me but I'm looking to go further than that.

"I don't want to stop at the British title. I want a European title then go on to bigger things.

"I want to go right to the top and I want to win a world title."

The Greenock fighter is more determined than ever to fulfil his potential.

He said: "I have had a few knocks outside the ring but I have come on leaps and bounds since I won the title.

"When I lost the Dazzo Williams fight a few years ago, I thought I was hard done by.

"I lost a bit of interest and there were other personal things happening.

"But since I won the title I have been training really hard and have got my desire back.

"I have knuckled down and I'm a dedicated professional now.

"Paul is a good fighter with good technique and he can punch a bit as you can see from his record.

"It will be an exciting fight on the night and I'm looking forward to it."

Appleby's cavalier style thrills his fans but the youngster admits he will have to tighten up his defence against the champion.

He said: "Although I am only a cocky person inside the ring my hands will be up this time.

"The other boxers I have fought haven't been able to hurt me but I know that John could hurt me so my guard will be up.

"I've been training really hard and I think it will be a war in the middle rounds - if it goes that far.

"But I can't wait. I think it will be a brilliant night."

More news from SportingLife.com