Scott Quigg to defend WBA title against Kiko Martinez

Scott Quigg will be hoping to retain his title against Kiko Martinez

Scott Quigg will defend his WBA 'world' super-bantamweight title against Kiko Martinez in Manchester on 18 July.

The 26-year-old's last bout in November resulted in a points win over Japan's Hidenori Otake.

Since then, the Bury fighter has had hand surgery but says he is back to full fitness for his fifth title defence.

"I was very busy and the break has done me good - I am refreshed and I predict a devastating victory." he said.

"We know what Kiko brings, he's been in everyone's backyard and this is the toughest fight of my career - but there's one thing I know, I will beat him on 18 July.

"He's strong, he comes forward and he's a big puncher. It will be the best performance of my career and it will need to be."

Spaniard Martinez is no stranger to the UK and Ireland having boxed Carl Frampton twice in Belfast and knocked out Bernard Dunne in the first round of their European title clash in Dublin.

Quigg, who has won 30 and drawn two of his 32 professional contests, had been tipped to take on IBF super-bantamweight champion Frampton. However, Frampton's manager and promoter Barry McGuigan says the bout would not happen soon.