Another title shot coming up for Wheeler at York Hall

He meets Jindrich Velecky for the International Challenge belt in the top-of-the-bill fight at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday, May 21.

The eight-round fight follows Wheeler’s two-round walloping of Biola Kudus last month that secured the British Classic Challenge belt and took him into the top 20 in Britain on top website BoxRec.

Wheeler hopes victory over the Czech will lead to a shot at the Southern Area title later this year, hopefully in Peterborough.

“This is great news,” said the 33 year-old from Hampton. “I was over the moon when I got the phone call. I would rather fight for another title than just box a six-rounder. I’m looking to push on.

“The reality is, I probably have five years left in boxing at a good level and I don’t want to hang around.

“I’ve had too long out of the ring through injuries.

“I don’t want to call myself a fighter and then not fight. I want to be active.

“I didn’t get bashed up in my last fight and I’m always in the gym, so I’m ready for another war!

“The only thing is, my trainer Stephen Whitwell doesn’t seem too keen on me having another title fight.

“He says he doesn’t want to see any more photographs of me with a belt!”

Wheeler has been proudly showing off his prize for beating Kudus in their make-or-break fight.

He said: “I know it’s not a world title, but it means a lot to me, my family and the kids at the gym where I train.

“They ask me: ‘Are you a champion ?’ and I say: ‘Yes. Sort of.’

“I’ve never won any other trophies from boxing - and it’s nice to have a reward.”

Wheeler, sponsored by Global Self Drive, Maximum Nutrition, Bore Hole Solutions, Apex, Barkingheads, Layla’s Lengths and Logic Security, knows he will have to fight hard if he wants to pick up another belt.

Velecky has been the distance with world-class fighters in his 60-fight career - including cruiserweight great Juan Carlos Gomez - and Wheeler said: “This guy is tough and he can punch.

“I’ve watched a few of his videos and he will come and give it a go.

“I have to use my boxing skills. This should be fun !”

Tickets for the show at the York Hall are available from 07398-750739.