Jack Cullen believes he is better than English title level – but knows he has to prove it.

The ‘Little Lever Meat Cleaver’ takes on Jack Sellars on a huge night for Bolton sport at the Whites Hotel on Saturday.

While the 25-year-old looks to win the English strap at middleweight, Farnworth’s Jack Flatley will look to do the same at super welterweight against Craig Morris.

For Cullen, the huge hometown show being put on by his manager Steve Wood is a real opportunity not only to win a significant belt, but also prove that bigger and better things are on the horizon.

“I am looking past this fight in a way,” said the Tommy Battel-trained fighter, who has lost one of 16 fights.

“I know you shouldn’t do that but in my mind I see myself as better than English title level.

“I want the British title and would love to fight for that.

“You’ve got to climb the ladder and it doesn’t happen overnight so whatever gets put in front of you, you’ve got to beat them.

“Thoughts of what might be next are to one side though for the moment.

“Hopefully when I win this I’d like to get on the big TV shows.”

Cullen had originally been pencilled in to face Leeds champion Reece Cartwright back in March.

An injury to his opponent postponed the fight to May 11, Cartwright then deciding to take a break from the sport and vacate his title with Sellars stepping in.

“To be honest, from the first time he pulled out I had it in my head that someone else might step in.” said Cullen, whose sparring has included rounds with world champion Callum Smith.  

“Every time I’ve had a fight there’s been some sort of change.

“You’ve got to be mentally ready for that.

“That’s why I’ve been sparring with all different kind of people because you don’t know who is going to be in that ring with you until fight day.

“People pull out on the day and you’re left looking for someone different.”

Halifax’s Sellars may have lost three of his 11 fights but has often gone on the road against the odds and won the Central Area title in his last outing at super middleweight.

“He’s probably more experienced than me in terms of rounds,” said Cullen.

“He’s had more 10-round fights than me.

“He’s fought at middleweight before but his last fight was at super-middle.

“It’s going to be a good fight, if not a better fight that it would have been against Reece Cartwright.

“He’s got nothing to lose and will give it his all to win the English title.

“Why would he not? Anybody who steps in like this is going to grab the opportunity with both hands.”