Former British champion Hosea Burton has sent uncompromising messages to his domestic light-heavyweight rivals.

‘The Hammer’ (23-1-KO11) has long been linked to a rematch with Frank Buglioni but having signed for MTK Global, the Lancastrian is targeting titles rather than revenge as he sets about establishing himself as one of the world’s leading 175lb fighters.

Having followed up a vicious 36-second knockout win over Saido Saull in October by outclassing Artus Kulikauskis is Manchester, Burton is brimming with ambition.

Burton said: “I’m going to leave the plan up to the team and let them deliver big fights. If I keep doing what I’m doing, winning every round and knocking people out, they’ll come.

“Frank Buglioni has nothing I want. I beat him 11 of 12 rounds. If there’s something to fight for then yes, no problem but he needs me to get back on the ladder again after he got chinned in one round.

“Do I need Buglioni? No. Do I want it? I’d take it in a second. I need someobody with a world title but I’d love to punch Anthony Yarde’s face in.

“These fights against durable opponents like Arturs Kulikauskis will stand me in good stead as I climb back up the ladder quickly.”

Burton claimed the British title in 2016 with an impressive sixth-round stoppage of Miles Shinkwin in Manchester.