Craig Whyatt has hit back at punters who say this weekend’s shot at the flyweight Southern Area title has come too early.

The Carshalton-born boxer faces Jamie Speight at the Camden Centre tomorrow, with Whyatt confident he is ready for the 10-round bout.

The 24-year-old Whyatt has seven wins under his belt, as well as one defeat, since his pro debut in November 2011.

Speight, 25, held the area belt at super-flyweight in March 2012, but he is without a win in four bouts, most recently missing out on the area bantamweight title in September last year.

Tomorrow night will be Whyatt’s first bout over 10 rounds, while Speight has plenty of experienced over the distance, something Whyatt is wary off.

He said: “This is a major title and Jamie Speight is no mug. I could have had an easier opponent for the title.

“He has experience at this level and this fight will tell me where I am.

“Some people might think this fight has come a bit early for me, but I don’t think so.

“I had 60 amateur fights, mentally I’m in a good place and I’ve just had back-to-back knock outs.”

He added: “I think this fight has come at the right time for me. Speight has the experience and I have power.

“I’m going to adapt, work him out and beat him. If you know you’re going to win, you win.

“Jamie has proved himself at Southern Area level and I want to beat him and go on to win at a higher level.

“I want to win English and British titles, so I have to win this type of fight.

“Beating journeymen won't get me anywhere.”

Whyatt has that admitted his toughest fight may be with the scales.

He has yet to box at featherweight, but weighed 9st 1lb for his one-round thrashing of Ben Morrish last month that brought him the vacant British Masters bronze super-featherweight title.

“I’ve taken the fight, so I’m going to make the weight.”

The following night, Whyatt will be at Wembley stadium for the fight of the year.

George Groves and Carl Froch meet in their rematch and Whyatt said: “It’s going to be a great fight and I can’t pick a winner.

“All I know is I’m going to take the Southern Area belt with me.”

Tickets for the show at the Camden Centre are available from 07788 256931.