'Expect a war' - Chamberlain eyes return to big time

Portsmouth's Mark Chamberlain (right) fights Jack Rafferty on Saturday

Mark Chamberlain has told fans to "expect a war" when he fights Jack Rafferty on Saturday.

The 26-year-old from Portsmouth is eyeing a return to the big time as he rebuilds his career following a first professional loss.

The unbeaten Rafferty has dubbed this contest his toughest to date, with the two set to battle it out for the British and Commonwealth super-lightweight titles in Altrincham.

"We're both explosive fighters so expect a war," Chamberlain told BBC Sport.

"There's that respect there between us, but on the night that all goes out the window and we'll shake hands after.

"Jack's a tough man and I have respect for him as a fighter, but I truly believe that I will be bringing the titles back home on the night."

Prior to his loss against Josh Padley at Wembley Stadium last year, Chamberlain had impressed with two stoppage wins in Saudi Arabia against Gavin Gwynne and Joshua Wahab.

There was talk of fighting for world honours beyond the Padley bout in September last year, but Chamberlain ended up having a tough setback as he lost for the first time.

What followed for Padley was an opportunity in the Middle East himself as he stepped into the ring with world champion Shakur Stevenson.

A brave performance that ended in defeat earned Padley a promotional contract with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.

"When he signed with Eddie I messaged him to say, 'Let's do it on the next 5v5,'" Chamberlain added.

"I have a wrong to put right and I'd like that fight straight away. Everyone that knows me knows I only showed a fraction of myself on that night.

"I know what I can do and I didn't do it on that night."

After that loss, Chamberlain took a short break before returning to the ring in April this year as he cruised to victory over Miguel Angel Scaringi in Manchester.

Rafferty (left) is unbeaten while Chamberlain has one professional defeat

The bout against Rafferty has been tipped to have all the ingredients for a fight-of-the-year contender.

The two are known for their heavy-handed approach and both have a string of impressive stoppage wins on their records.

Chamberlain will be making the long trip from England's south coast to just outside of Rafferty's hometown, where thousands of his fans are expected to pack out the Altrincham Ice Dome.

With other local fighters on the card, including featherweight Zak Miller, it promises to be a fiery and hostile atmosphere that 'The Thunder', as Chamberlain is known as, will walk into.

"I knew exactly what I was signing myself up for," Chamberlain said.

"I'm pretty sure I can handle a few people booing. I get punched in the head for a living, so it doesn't bother me.

"It means nothing because at the end of the day we're the two in there and everything outside the ring is irrelevant."