ROBBIE Vernon wants to get on the title trail in the next six months, starting with a crack at the Welsh super-lightweight crown.

The 24-year-old is one of a clutch of fighters trained by St Joseph’s supremo Tony Borg who are yet to taste defeat in the pro ranks.

While he may only have two wins to his name so far, Bridgend’s Vernon, who goes for a third straight victory in Merthyr Tydfil tonight, is targeting the belt currently held by Kieran Gething.

Gething defended the 140lb strap for the first time on June 1, outpointing Gwent rival Craig Woodruff at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff.

Vernon and Pontypool’s Gething, who claimed the title with a points win over Henry Janes in February, have sparred together in the past.

“The plan is to challenge for a Welsh title before the end of the year,” said Vernon. “Kieran is the current super-lightweight champion.

“I’ve sparred with him, he’s a good boy, but I want that belt – I’ll take on anyone.”

Vernon’s preparations for tonight’s Sanigar Events show have been disrupted somewhat with multiple changes of opponent.

He insists he will be ready for whoever is standing in the opposite corner come the first bell, and says it is going to be a fitter Robbie Vernon in action this time around.

Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre was also the venue for his last outing, a four-round points defeat of Adam Bannister in March.

But while he backed up last October’s debut success, Vernon feels he wasn’t in the best shape possible.

“I’ll be fitter this time,” he added. I was 10st 7lb last time and ate what I wanted. This fight is at 10st 2lb.

“Tony said at 10st 7lb the boys are too big for me, so hopefully it will be a knockout this time, that’s the plan anyway.

“It’s been a bit gutting to have opponents change, but I’ll take it as it comes.”

Meanwhile, Jake Tinklin will be hoping it’s another happy day for him in the boxing ring when he locks horns with Fonz Alexander tonight.

Risca’s Tinklin steps up to welterweight for a six-rounder against English journeyman Alexander, who has lost 97 of 103 bouts, on the Sanigar Events show in Merthyr Tydfil.

After outpointing Ricky Rose on debut, Tinklin saw off Spaniard Izan Dura in March to continue his impressive start to life in the paid code.

He goes for three in a row this weekend in his first fight since becoming a dad – son Oscar was born two-and-a-half weeks after the Dura triumph.

“I’m feeling confident,” he said. “He’s a very tough boy, but I’ve been working on getting more power in my shots and hopefully I’ll get the win.”

He added: “Oscar won’t be there this time, probably when he’s a bit older.”

Alexander has just one win in his previous 46 fights, but has only been stopped four times in all.