COMMONWEALTH light-welterweight champion has agreed an exciting new deal with Matchroom Boxing that will see him take on the undefeated Tommy Martin in January.

The 30-year-old from Horndon told the Echo he would be putting his Commonwealth title on the line against 21-year Martin, who was born in Chelmsford but lives in Cambridgeshire, after signing a four-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s company.

There were doubts Hibbert would get a new deal with Matchroom had he failed to beat Dave Ryan in his title fight in September, but he took full advantage of an injury to Ryan to win in the 10th round at the 02 Arena.

Martin is an opponent Hibbert knows well, having sparred with him on a number of occasions.

However, Hibbert believes this fight has come too soon for the man boasting a record of 13 wins from 13 bouts.

And says he wants to be pushing for a world title fight come the end of this new deal.

“It is great to sign the deal and if I can get through the next three fights I want to push for a world title fight,” he said.

“It will be good to fight Tommy as I know him well and class him as a friend, but I believe it is a step too far for him and I don’t think he is at this level just yet. He is a good lad but I know he is going to lose his unbeaten record come January.

“I had to win against Dave Ryan to put myself in a good position in terms of a new deal and I did that. Now I am the champion I need to show that.”

Hibbert has been criticised for not accepting a third re-match with Ryan after a back-injury put paid to his chances of retaining his titles when the two last did battle.

But Hibbert says he had no choice but to box a new opponent.

“It will be nice to fight someone different,” he said. “I have been getting some stick for not taking the Dave Ryan fight but it didn’t make financial sense for me. I need to look ahead.”

Hibbert has stepped up his training regime ahead of the fight with Martin. He has already begun a gruelling 13-week schedule, which will climax with two weeks in Tenerife after Christmas.

Although he says he leads a very normal life, despite his champion status.

“I have had a nice little break and I am getting back to fitness now as I gear up for this fight. Being a champion is obviously great. My kids are enjoying it as people are now recognising their dad but I keep my feet on the ground.

“I was sweeping floors the other day and I doubt you will find many boxing champions that do that. I am just a normal bloke and I won’t let success affect me.”

A date for the fight has not yet been set, although it is believed it will be on either Saturday January 23 or 30 at London’s Copper Box Arena.

Hibbert is looking for more sponsors ahead of the bout, with interested parties encouraged to call 07938 660516.

He is backed by J&P Lead Roofing, JVH Building Supplies, Capwell Design Ltd, Dean Crumpton, Reed’s Butchers, Impulse Leisure, Simon James IT and JN Sealant Contracts and the Karis May Darling Foundation.