DYLAN Carter enters the most important bout of his life tonight when he contests a world title eliminator against Tom Montgomery at Burnley's Thompson Centre, writes BRIAN DOOGAN.

The 22-year-old kickboxer, who works part-time as a recreation assistant in the centre, has been beaten only twice in 12 fights.

Montgomery has fought in more than 50 bouts and has twice fought at world title level.

He lost both times but brings over 10 years of experience to the ring -compared to Carter's three.

The Burnley man remains confident, however, of dispatching his 33-year-old opponent inside the distance.

And he hopes to challenge for the world title early in the New Year.

"I'm in excellent condition, better even than when I challenged for the European title earlier this year," said Carter who earned a draw but failed to wrest the title from Portugal's Francisco Maximiano in a tense encounter. "I'm confident within myself - I know I've done all the work, the training, the mileage.

"Now it's just a case of being able to produce my best form tonight and I believe I will.

"I intend to stop him and look good in front of my hometown fans."

Manager and trainer Allan Clarkin confirms Carter's assessment of his condition. "He's never looked as good," said Clarkin.

"He's very sharp, very crisp and he hasn't an ounce of fat on his body."

An emphatic win tonight will boost his claims of an early shot at world champion Mark Weller of Cambridge.

"I believe, in the right frame of mind and the right condition, I'm a match for anybody, including Mark Weller," said Carter. Action gets underway at 7.30pm with the main event between 10 and 11 o'clock.

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