DARREN Tetley will dedicate next month’s European title fight to his sick grandad Ernie.

The Holme Wood welterweight is preparing for the biggest night of his career when he targets the vacant belt at a packed Elland Road.

The May 19 showdown with Ellesmere Port’s Mason Cartwright is a duel between two unbeaten prospects – and will catapult the winner into the top 15 in the WBO world rankings.

And Tetley will have extra inspiration from his biggest fan – grandfather Ernie.

He said: “My grandad’s not well at the minute but he’s bought his ticket for the fight and says he’s going to be there with his oxygen!

“He has asked the doctors if he is going to make it and he wants to be there to see me win the belt.

“He’s got all the paper cuttings about me and has had them framed. He’s been right behind me all the way and I want to do this for him.”

It promises to be a mouth-watering clash on the undercard of Josh Warrington’s world title fight with Lee Selby.

Tetley has won all 15 of his pro outings, including six knock-outs, and is hungry to take the next step. But he is equally proud of how far he has already come.

“I’ve got further than I ever thought I would,” he added. “If my boxing career was to come to an end now, for any reason, I would be happy for where I’ve got.

“That doesn’t mean I’m going into this fight thinking that it doesn’t matter if I don’t win.

“But I’m really going to enjoy the build-up and the occasion rather than feeling any pressure. A lot of boxers don’t do that because they are so hyped up but I’m enjoying every minute.”

Tetley is also not getting too bogged down by focusing on Cartwright, who has 13 wins and a draw under his belt.

Cartwright, who has dropped down from light-middle, claims he will be too strong and can blast away the Bradford man.

Tetley said: “I never have watched the videos and I’ll probably only see ten seconds of him – that’s all I need. I know what’s coming.

“He’s going to come forward and try to take my head off. But that’s all he’s got in his armoury.

“Without sounding arrogant, he’s in for a shock if he thinks he can bully me.

“I’m not small for my weight and I think I’m under-rated by people who go in there and think I can’t punch. When they get caught, they don’t expect it.

“I’m going to prepare for 10 gruelling rounds but the question is, will he?”

Tetley turned pro in 2013 after a successful record as an amateur, winning the junior ABAEs and earning silver in the Commonwealth youth championships. He has been impatient for that elusive shot at a serious belt.

“It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been asking for a title fight for a year, year and a half now.

“Now I’ve got that chance and it’s down to me to prove that I am ready.

“We’ve both got similar records and it’s a massive step-up for us both. We’re going to put everything on the line.

“Too many people in boxing want to keep an unbeaten record. I just want good fights.

“I’m treating this no different to the other 71 I had as an amateur and my 15 as pro. But I really want to win this title.

“It’s a shame it’s not at Valley Parade but the atmosphere will be great and I intend to take this opportunity.”

Tickets for Elland Road – as well as sponsorship opportunities for Tetley – are available on 07564 210960.