BRADFORD'S Darren Tetley hopes to receive plenty of support after announcing he will fight for the first time as a professional in his home town later this summer.

Unbeaten Tetley, who has won 16 times, will box at the Hilton Hotel in the city on July 21, which will be his first contest since winning the WBO European welterweight title after beating Mason Cartwright at Elland Road last month.

Despite original plans to wait for a show in September, the 24-year-old from Holme Wood said he couldn’t turn down the chance to fight in Bradford when it arose.

“I heard that there was a show in Bradford about a week ago, although I’d been told that I would probably defend my title next on a big show in September,” Tetley told the T&A.

“But, I thought, ‘I really can’t pass up the opportunity to fight in my home town for the first time in my professional career.”

“I asked my manager Mick (Marsden) on Tuesday if he could get me on the show and on Wednesday he confirmed it. I can’t wait now, I’m buzzing for it.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me and hopefully Bradford turns out in good numbers, because I can’t wait.”

Yet to know the identity of his opponent next month, Tetley plans to make a first defence of his title in September, potentially on a Josh Warrington undercard, although he believes a rematch with Cartwright will come too soon for the Ellesmere Port contender.

“After July, then maybe I’ll have a big fight in September, which I don’t think Mason will be ready for,” Tetley continued.

“The other day he said that he’s got a month until he starts sparring again. By the time he’s fight-ready it’ll be November.”

“After September, then we can discuss with Mason. I’m a fighter and I will fight anyone. I fought him the first time and I’ll fight him again.”

Tickets are priced at £35 and £55 and can be bought by contacting Darren at 07564-210960, on Twitter (@daztetleyboxing) or on Facebook (Darren Tetley Boxer).

* Tetley is sponsored by Tan-Tastique Wibsey, Blue Hills Farm Shop and Diamonds, The Barbers.