Rhys Roberts has one title safely tucked away at home – and now the Whitefield boxer wants to add more in 2011.

The 21-year-old super-bantamweight picked up the International Masters Featherweight title when he defeated George Gachechiladze in Bury in November.

And it has whetted the appetite of the part-time barber, who will return to the ring on March 26 in Wigan.

“This is going to be my year,” said Roberts, who is nicknamed ‘Pure Silk’ and has won all 12 of his career fights.

“I won my first minor title last year and now I want to slowly build towards the bigger and better belts. I am not going to run before I can walk but I want to start making my way up the rankings and making a name for myself.

“I’ve dealt with my first title fight, when I was top of the bill, quite well and I rose to the occasion. Now I want more. I am ready for the step up because I am improving physically and maturing mentally.”

Roberts has been busy training in his Collyhurst and Moston Lads Club gym since taking a brief break over Christmas – and he is feeling in fine fettle. He said: “I have been sparring with a few of the top amateurs in the area.”