LANCE Cooksey is eyeing a magnificent seventh win in the pro ranks when he takes to the ring on Friday night – but the unbeaten St Joseph’s ace also has a title fight in his sights.

Lightweight Cooksey, 28, faces Devon’s Jamie Speight (15-28) in a six-rounder on MTK Global’s first show in Wales at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, just a month since beating the heavy-handed Taka Bembere on points to claim his sixth straight victory in the paid code.

That success, one in which Cooksey recovered from an early knockdown, was also his maiden bout under new manager Mo Prior.

Cooksey signed with the British Warriors Boxing Promotions chief having previously been managed by Dai Gardiner – and Cooksey is hoping that linking up with Prior leads to something big in the coming months.

“I’m happy with the contract I’ve signed with Mo,” he said. “We’ve been in talks about title fights towards the end of the year if the opportunity comes my way.

“If not then we’ll definitely be looking at titles towards the beginning of next year.”

Before then Cooksey must negotiate his way past former Southern Area featherweight champion Speight, 29.

Speight’s recent record doesn’t make for pleasant reading – he has lost his last 17 fights, all of which took place over a 12-month period up to July 21.

Nevertheless, Tony Borg-trained Cooksey feels Speight will provide him with a stiff test, just like Bembere did last time out.

“Speight is a step up for me,” he added. “But I’m feeling fit and ready, and I should beat him.

"My last fight was the first six-rounder of my pro career, and I won it, so I'm hoping things continue to go well.

“I found six rounds okay. When you’re doing something new you’re always a bit wary, but it was fine.

“I was knocked down, but I remembered what Tony said in the gym about what to do when that happens.

“He said if you ever get caught just take a knee, look at him in the corner, and from that he’ll know you’re okay.

“When you’re young you think it’s never going to happen to you, but Tony had prepared me for it and when it happened I had a flashback to what he told me in the gym.”

He added: “Friday is as close as it gets to a home show for me.

"I’ve got a few more supporters coming than usual which can bring a little bit more pressure.

“But I thrive on pressure and I’m feeling confident.”