WARRINGTON boxer Nathan Wheatley says he cannot wait to get into the Manchester Arena ring on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old middleweight will box at the prestigious venue, which has hosted world title fights for the likes of Ricky Hatton, David Haye and Carl Froch in the recent past, in a four-round contest.

The bout, Padgate native Wheatley’s fifth as a professional, is on the undercard of the WBA, WBC Diamond and The Ring world lightweight title fight between Manchester’s Anthony Crolla and Venezuelan legend Jorge Linares.

“The Wire” says the anticipation for fight night is reaching fever pitch.

“I just can’t wait to get in there now, I’ve done my last weights session so it’s just building up to the fight now,” he said.

“My training’s gone perfectly, I’ve got another half a kilogram to lose before the weigh-in but that won’t be a problem.

“I’ve been doing weights with Anthony, he’s in great shape so it should be a special night.”

Wheatley’s opponent is Dan Blackwell, brother of former British middleweight champion Nick, a veteran of over 60 paid fights.

Blackwell retired from the sport after his brother was left in a coma after his loss to Chris Eubank Jr but was persuaded to reconsider and Wheatley is expecting a tough fight.

“He’s been in with some talented fighters like Callum Smith and Anthony Ogogo so he’s a tough guy,” he said.

“It’s going to be a competitive fight but it’s one I’m confident of winning.”

Wheatley will also face Huddersfield’s Alistair Warren on November 18 for the British Challenge middleweight title.

“That fight is for my first professional title so it’s definitely something to look forward to after Saturday,” he said.

“It will be nice to end the year with a belt, it would be a great Christmas present!”