Josh Wale believes a win in his next fight would further cement a legacy he has been determined to build.

The Brampton fighter will aim to become Barnsley’s first ever two-weight British champion when he steps through the ropes at the Metrodome on March 8.

Standing in his way for the super-bantamweight bout will be unbeaten novice Brad Foster, 21, from Lichfield, Staffordshire who has won nine of ten with one draw.

Purse bids were won by Wale’s handler Stefy Bull last week and that secures home advantage. To make history in his hometown is important to Wale and he is proud to be the first Barnsley man to ever fight for a British title in his own postcode.

“At this stage of my career it’s all about making history. I need fights that excite me,” said Wale.

“Breaking new ground is what gets me going. The money is nice but it is all about my legacy.

“For the historians out there, I want them to be talking about me and winning British titles.There was a time in my career when I didn’t think I would box in Barnsley again but to be back and boxing for the British title there, particularly after what happened in France, I couldn’t think of anything better.”

Wale lost a fight for the European title at bantamweight in France in October.He feels he suffered harsh treatment from the judges, officials and promoter with an unneeded blood test, shoddy medical treatment on a cut and controversial scoring.

He has managed to put it behind him and is fully focusing on what ‘The Blade’ Foster is going to bring. Once the young challenger, Wale knows he now has to use his experience from a 81-fight amateur and professional career. He said: “I have trained all over Christmas and the fight is still seven weeks away.

“He is young and I have been in the same position as him. You think you know everything at that age, but you don’t. I still say that Matthew Marsh was my hardest fight (a 2009 English title bout which Wale lost 97-94).

“I wobbled him in the fifth and then threw everything at him. I had to really dig in but he was powerful, technically gifted and experienced at a high level. He had the experience to get through.

“I don’t like looking at other sportsmen but people like Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard had longevity because they adapted as their bodies changed.

“For me, that is a sign of a good sportsman and it’s something I want to do. My experience is my advantage but I also believe I am a much better fighter.”

There is more title news for Barnsley boxers with Andy Townend due to travel to Newcastle on March 23 to face Lewis Ritson for the British lightweight crown. Ritson beat Townend’s stablemate Robbie Barrett, from Darfield, to win the crown in 2017.

He racked up three quick defences before a loss for the European title in October. That show, at the Metro Arena, will be broadcast on Sky Sports.