Liam Walsh can be forgiven for looking into the future as he returns to the ring in Manchester tonight, writes Chris Lakey.

The Cromer boxer faces Brazilian Isaias Santos Sampaio for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title. Lightweight isn't Walsh's usual division – he holds the British and Commonwealth titles at super-featherweight – but it could be the road to world glory.

On the same bill, Terry Flanagan and American Jose Zepeda contest the WBO World Lightweight title – and if Flanagan comes through that and Walsh does likewise, then the two could well meet in an easy-to-make match-up.

Walsh told iFL TV: 'It seems like it is going that way. You don't reject world titles fights, real fighters don't, and if that was offered it is a no-brainer. I wish Terry all the best – I think he can win the fight. He has improved a lot and if that fight can be made I will be there.'

First things first though, and Sampaio is first on the radar.

Walsh said: 'He will try his luck in the early rounds and I have to be patient, use my frame and my boxing skills to break him down.'