Aarron Morgan has backed sparring partner John Ryder to triumph in his WBA international middleweight title clash with Sergey Khomitsky later this month.

Islington boxer Ryder, who has unsuccessfully challenged for the British championship twice, is hoping to manoeuvre himself into position for a third attempt when he returns to the ring at the Copper Box Arena.

And Morgan, the former Islington BC captain who sparred with Ryder at the Matchroom gym in Brentwood earlier this week, sees no reason why the 27-year-old cannot overcome the experienced Khomitsky on January 30.

“That was the first time, it was good sparring and the plan is that we’ll be doing it more regularly,” Morgan told the Gazette.

“Ryder’s a quality fighter and he’s looking sharp. He looks in good shape and he looks like he’s motivated in the gym.

“It’ll be a tough fight against Khomitsky but, if he’s switched on and he boxes to his ability, then he should come away with the win – 100 per cent.”

Morgan, who is three months Ryder’s senior, is also eager to make his mark in terms of title fights during 2016 as he aims to build on his professional record of nine wins from nine.

The undefeated light-middleweight, who is lined up to box at York Hall at the end of February, added: “I had a nice Christmas with my family, but it’s back to work now and I’m ready to crack on.

“I believe in myself and my abilities. All I can do is get in the ring and perform and win, which I’ve been doing – then it’s up to my management to line me up for a title fight.”