Southampton is set to host another world title fight – with King Davidson ready to defend his WBO International light middleweight crown in the city next month.

The 28-year-old, who won the belt in Southampton last June, is expected to make his first defence on the Guildhall show on Friday, March 1.

Though the fight is not yet officially confirmed, Davidson’s trainer, Wayne Batten, is working behind the scenes to try to finalise the details.

The most likely opponent is the dangerous Ghanaian Philip Kotey, whose last visit to these shores saw him take on one of the country’s boxing superstars in the shape of Kell Brook.

Batten said: “It has been a long time coming in many ways, and we don’t want to go too overboard until the contracts are signed, but it looks very much like King will be defending his title.

“It’s a massive thing for us as this is the first show for me since going alone and as Batten’s Boxing Gym and to have two, and potentially three, title fights, including a world title fight, would be fantastic.

“We are trying to build a reputation of providing value for money and entertainment for local fans, I think we did that with the last show from all the feedback I got and we want to do it again.

“King would obviously be a great addition to the bill.

“It’s been a while since he’s boxed and I like my fighters to be active. An active fighter is a good fighter.

“King is a good champion but he needs to fight.

“Hopefully we can get this one sorted out, win it and keep him busy.”

Davidson defeated Joseph Lamptey to win the title in June and is desperate to get back in the ring after a frustrating lay-off due to a few obstacles behind the scenes which is why this first defence comes later than had been initially planned, Kotey would present a live opponent, with 27 wins from 35 fights, including 20 stoppages.

He has mixed it at a decent level, though against top performers he has come unstuck, such as against Brook where he suffered a rare stoppage defeat.

Davidson would be a welcome addition to a bill that is set to have an International Masters title fight on it for Matty Tew and, potentially, one for Jon Fernandes as well.

Tony Hill has had to withdraw from the bill due to a hand injury but the undercard will feature the likes of Joe Pigford, Steve Lynch, Stoke-based Southampton fighter Wayne Armour and Bournemouth boxers Jake Gosling and Tom Watson.

Tickets are available from the Southampton Guildhall box office on 023 8063 2601 or online via their website.