NORTH Hampshire professional boxers Matt Goddard and Darryl Still will fight for the first time this year when they step into the ring at the Southampton Guildhall tonight.

The action gets underway at 7pm and both fighters should have great support for their bouts.

Goddard takes on Poland’s Arek Malek and the 23-year-old is keen to maintain his perfect record, and chalk-up win number seven of his professional career.

In his last outing, he knocked out Slovak Julius Rafael in the first round.

This time around, he faces a very experienced fighter in 36-year-old Malek, in a six round light-welterweight bout.

Talking about his opponent, Goddard said: “He is strong, powerful and comes to fight.

“He has boxed world title challenger Ajose Olusegan, along with big names like Chris Jenkins, Lenny Daws and Carl Johannason.”

The Odiham fighter added: “I can’t wait to get back into the ring. Training has been fantastic and I have sold out my tickets for the seventh fight running.”

Basingstoke’s Still won both his outings last year and now has a record of 12-5 and the Southampton Guildhall has happy memories for him.

He made his winning professional debut there in 2007 and also won last time out there, when he beat Jason McArdle on points.

He is set to face seasoned campaigner, Lancashire’s Willy Warburton, in a six-round light-middleweight contest.

Still said: “He is probably the toughest road man on the circuit, and a gatekeeper to titles.

“He is a strong, durable opponent, which will bring out the best in me.

“I have been training hard and feel strong, excited and hungry.”