Jimmy Joe Flint believes that fans could be in for a “barnstormer” when he defends his central area super lightweight title against Campbell Hatton on March 23.

They will meet in Sheffield on the undercard of Dalton Smith’s intriguing 140lbs fight with Californian puncher Jose Zepeda, but Flint (13-1-2, 3 KOs) believes that his fight with Hatton (14-0, 5 KOs) could steal the show.

After 14 fights learning his trade, the unbeaten Hatton’s first title opportunity comes against a hungry, determined fighter who is already battle hardened at area level.

In 2021 the 26-year-old Flint lost a 10-round decision to Dom Hunt for the welterweight title but he has enjoyed much more success since dropping down to 140lbs. He claimed the super-lightweight belt by stopping Joe Garside in the 10th and final round of an exciting battle and, last October, retained his title after grinding out a thrilling draw with the talented Adam Sircar.

The Monday after the war with Sircar, Flint’s manager Stefy Bull told Boxing Scene that he was going to make sure his man’s name was in the hat for a fight with Hatton and, after spending a couple of months campaigning and politicking, they got the call they wanted.

“We’re not gonna need a very big ring to fight each other given how we both fight,” Flint told Boxing Now. “It’s a great fight for both of us. If I beat him it opens up many doors and I can really push on. Likewise for him if he beats me. I’m not a sore loser. I’ll shake his hand and it can open up bigger doors for him as well. It’s one of those fights.

“It’ll certainly deliver for the fans. It’s the fight we both need. He needs it to push on and I need it to open doors for me. It’s a must-win both ways. Thankfully, they’re giving me the opportunity and we’ll see where we go from here.

“It could be a barnstormer. Styles make fights and we’re not two worlds apart in style. We both like to dig deep and have a go.”