GREENOCK-BASED fighter Martin Harkin hopes to produce an explosive performance on his TV debut against Kaisee Benjamin in Coventry tomorrow night.

Harkin faces the Birmingham boxer in a British welterweight championship eliminator which will be broadcast live on Channel 5.

Harkin, trained by Greenock Boxing Club coach Danny Lee, is delighted to get the opportunity to showcase his talents to a national audience at the city's Skydome arena.

Victory against the 25-year-old orthodox opponent will take him a step closer to a dream shot at the British belt.

He told the Tele: "It's a cracking opportunity. A lot of people can tune in and exposure-wise it's an unbelievable opportunity for myself.

"I'm grateful to get the chance to fight. Not that I need any more incentive, but with it being a British title eliminator it gives the contest that extra edge.

"I don't usually watch too much of my opponents, I leave that for my coach, but it's good to get some insight into what to expect.

"I watched his last bout and he's a really good fighter and has put to together some impressive wins. There's no doubt it's going to be a great fight."

Harkin suffered a first career defeat to European welterweight title winner Michael McKinson last September.

The 29-year-old is determined to wipe out the memory of last year's points loss with a convincing victory in Coventry.

Harkin added: "I won't be able to put my fight against McKinson behind me unless I go out and beat a good opponent who has got a good record in his own right.

"I'm so motivated for this, I'm flying just now."

The contest is the main undercard fight to Sam Egginton's WBC silver middleweight title fight against Mexican warrior 'King' Carlos Molina.

Five hundred fans are permitted to attend the event, but Harkin is unfazed at the prospect of fighting in a hostile atmosphere.

He said: "I was only given four tickets, so the majority of the fans will definitely be in his favour.

"It will just be me, my team and a few family members travelling down there. But it's only going to be me and him in the ring, his fans can't fight for him so it won't make a difference."

l Channel 5's coverage starts at 10pm tomorrow night.