BRITISH Lightweight champion Scott Cardle admits he has a point to prove ahead of his latest title defence.

Cardle, whose parents hail from Barrhead, will step into the ring a little over eight miles from his spiritual home when he takes on Kevin Hooper at the SSE Hydro on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ world title defence on Friday, October 7.

The fighter, who celebrates his 27th birthday today (Wednesday) is critical of his recent performances, a points win over Ivan Djegac and a draw with Sean Dodd, and will be going all out to win in style in front of a raucous Glasgow crowd. 

It will be Cardle’s final defence of the British title and a win will see him retain it as an outright winner, but he knows he needs to put on a show to impress his promoter Eddie Hearn as he eyes big fights at European and World level in the future.

He said: “I’m firing on all cylinders just now, I just can’t wait for the fight now.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling confident. I’ve got a point to prove really as my last couple of performances haven’t been up to scratch.

“I’ve got to do more than win so that’s what I’m aiming for.”

Cardle revealed he will be aiming to take it to Hooper in the early rounds to see how he copes, the Grimsby fighter lost his only other fight in an arena the of similar size to the Hydro.

The title holder has some experience fighting in the Glasgow venue after dispatching the of Djegac on Clydeside in May.

He admits he cannot wait to feel the atmosphere the Glasgow crowd will create – saying there is no crowd like it in Britain.

He said: “[Hooper] is quite a cute boxer, he’s a straight up and down fighter and he tries to keep it long.

“I’m not looking for a rough one but I feel like I’m going to take it to him early doors and see how he reacts from there.

“It was great to be back in Glasgow [in May] and it was great to be around such a good atmosphere.

“Although I was on quite early it was still buzzing. I’m looking forward to fighting in front of a very busy arena.

“I’ve fought all over Britain and had some great nights. Manchester and Liverpool atmospheres are brilliant but when you come to Glasgow, I don’t know what it is but it’s more vocal.

“There is no country like it, they are so up for it.”

For tickets to see Scott Cardle’s title defence contact Joe Cardle on 07889947147 or visit www.scottycardle.com for more details.