Derry middleweight Eamonn O’Kane thrilled New York fight fans last month with his gutsy display against Tureano Johnson at Madison Square Garden on the Golovkin-Lemieux PPV undercard.

While he was defeated in the IBF World title elminator, the Ulster man retains his IBF Inter-Continental belt, and trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick confirmed that the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist will return to the ring next year.

King Kane will defend the belt against an opponent to-be-announced at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon on March 5th.

Support will come in the form of Swindon-Irish pair Luke Watkins and Garvey Kelly, as well as Sam Smith and Ryan Martin.

O’Kane will be looking to quickly string a few wins together and re-position himself for another big fight after tasting the bright lights.