THE opponent for my next fight on March 11 at London’s York Hall has been officially announced this week as Richard Harrison.

He’s 31 years old, from Chessington, in Surrey, and has had 13 professional boxing fights, so more than double than I have.

I’ve watched quite a few of his fights and he has a decent technique and throws good combinations.

He combines a variety of shots, such as hooks and uppercuts, and comes forward to fight.

He’s a tough guy and has only ever been stopped twice.

He comes to have a go and lets his hands fly.

I’ll be fighting him at 12st 12lbs, but he has fought up and down the weights – light-heavy and cruiser.

I’ll concentrate on me and my training, as always, and just carry on doing what I’m doing.

I haven’t put on much weight since my last fight so haven’t got a lot to lose.

I feel the benefits from not blowing up, like Ricky Hatton was always well known for doing after fights.

It makes everything far more easier and, in fact, I’ve never been this low in weight at this stage of a camp before.

Sparring with the weight off makes you a completely different fighter.

It allows you to move better, slip shots easier and punch sharper.

When I came back from a holiday in Malta last year, I was over 15 stone and had never been so heavy in my life.

Now I’m 13st 7lbs with over eight weeks to go still.

I used to struggle to make that weight limit but now I’m happy to fight at that level because I know I can do it properly. My diet is working wonders.

I can eat a normal dinner and still lose weight.

I wish I had known how to do this years ago!

I announced my fight date just after Christmas and New Year and I thought it could be too soon after the festive period but luckily everyone has been really supportive and there’s been lots of interest.

I've been doing strength and conditioning on top of my training every week with a personal trainer at the gym.

I want to do the extra work to make me a better fighter and I can feel the benefits already – roll on March 11!

For tickets to the next show contact Team Church on 07938 878962.

Follow ‘Dazzling’ Darrel Church on Twitter @Darrel_Church89

Team Church would like to thank sponsors MB Surfacing and Essex Ink and Tiptree Jam and Incredible Pixels and agent Tim Rickson.