LIAM Conroy is delighted after his dream of being able to fight for the British title was given the go-ahead for March 23 in London.

The Barrow light-heavyweight had been mandated to face 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi for the vacant Lonsdale belt, with the contest ordered to take place by the end of May.

Buatsi’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on Saturday night the contest will take place at the Copperbox Arena in London live on Sky Sports next month and Conroy cannot wait to get his shot at the prestigious belt.

“I’m so happy to be boxing for a British title,” said Conroy. “This has been my goal since day one.

“I think I showed I was above English level so I’m looking forward to showing what I’m about.

“I’ll be on top of my game. I’ve had some hiccups but I’ll be 100 per cent and the best I’ve ever been. It’s such a boost to be fighting for this title.

“This will give my career a massive boost. It’ll be a huge achievement for me and my family. I want to win it and keep it. It’s on a big stage so hopefully I’ll be moving forward after that.”

Conroy became mandatory challenger for the British title after stopping Miles Shinkwin in a successful defence of the English title on March 31 last year.

However, surgery on a long-standing groin injury kept him out of the ring and forced him to relinquish the English crown.

The 26-year-old then suffered a hand injury just days before a scheduled four-round contest in Manchester last December, so will have not fought for nearly a year by the time the British title showdown comes around.

But Conroy has been training hard and getting plenty of quality sparring at trainer Johnney Roye’s gym in Preston, and is in no doubt the lay-off will not affect him.

He is respectful of the challenge posed by Buatsi, who has won all nine of his professional bouts so far and scored seven stoppage wins.

Yet Conroy, who has compiled a16-3-1 record since turning pro in 2012, believes his experiences in the ring give him an advantage and is confident of causing an upset.

“There’s plenty of hype around him but he deserves it because he trains hard and has already proved himself at the Olympics,” said Conroy.

“I haven’t got the name he’s got, but I’m looking to change that come fight night.

“I believe I can overpower him. I don’t believe he’s been in a situation as a professional in which someone can overpower him. I also don’t think he’s been in with anyone who can take what he’s got to give, which I will be able to.”