Bristol boxer Danny Butler aims to make it a double celebration when he appears on tomorrow night's big Sky-televised Hatton Promotions show at the Fenton Manor Sports Centre in Stoke-on-Trent.

Not only is the Bristolian intent upon relieving Darren McDermott of the English middleweight title, he also wants to mark his 22nd birthday in style by claiming his third championship belt inside a year.

Forced to put his birthday celebrations on hold while preparing for the biggest fight of his career, Butler plans to party long into the Staffordshire night if he defeats the more experienced McDermott in a contest which could open doors for him if he prevails.

"It was my birthday on Wednesday, but I couldn't really do anything fun because of the fight," said the British Masters and Western Area middleweight champion.

"I definitely couldn't have a drink and, because I'm having to watch my weight, I couldn't even go out for a meal with family and friends.

"It was a really quiet birthday, but I'll more than make up for it on Friday night if I beat McDermott.

"We're staying over in a hotel in Stoke and I'm looking forward to a double celebration."

Nine years Butler's senior, McDermott is ranked sixth in the British Boxing Board of Control ratings and has been in with the best the domestic middleweight division has to offer.

The 31-year-old from Dudley, known as the Black Country Body Snatcher, has invariably fallen short when mixing in top company, losing to Wayne Elcock and Darren Barker in failed challenges for the British and Commonwealth titles respectively.

But he remains a dangerous opponent, as he showed by out-pointing Steve Bendall to claim the English title in February this year.

Beaten just once in 19 paid outings and rated 10th in the latest BBBC ratings, Butler is under no illusion as the size of the task facing him.

"I'm confident I can get the job done and beat him, but McDermott is a very good boxer," added Butler.

"He's been in with the best in the division, has good skills and is more experienced than I am. It's going to be my toughest fight so far and that's why I've trained so hard for it."

Butler is convinced age will catch up with McDermott and he intends setting a furious pace from the first bell.

He said: "My aim is to work him to death and beat him with speed and movement. He's 10 years older than me and I know I can maintain a high tempo for 10 rounds if I have to. He'll have to match me if he wants to keep hold of his title."