A WIRRAL boxer will defend his title for the first time in Birmingham next month.

Tim Barnett, from Wallasey, won the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts' Lonsdale lightweight title in front of 10,000 people in the SSE Arena Belfast in February and will defend this at the Genting Arena in Birmingham on Friday, May 12.

The fight will be broadcast live on freeview TV channel Dave.

Currently undefeated in four professional fights as a lightweight mixed martial artist, Tim trains at the MMA Academy in Liverpool under ex UFC veteran Jason Tan.

He was also the subject of television documentary Behind the Fighter by Fight Life TV.

The 27-year-old told the Globe: "During my amateur career I have amassed a record of seven wins and one defeat, winning the FCC amateur lightweight title along the way at the Bolton Macron Stadium.

"My aspiration is to go all the way to the top and win the UFC lightweight title.

"As a person I believe we should not waste our relatively short lives. While we are here we should strive to fulfill our dreams, after all the creation of the earth and the life upon it is truly a miracle and we should all work together to protect it.

"I have a passion for organic plant based food, follow a vegan lifestyle and I actively promote health and wellbeing on social media and in person to most people I meet.

"Positivity and self-improvement is what drives and motivates me to fight.

"One of my goals is to use my success as a platform to inspire others to chase their own dreams and I’ve already presented several motivational talks in local schools.

"I dedicate my whole life to this sport and to what I strongly believe is the necessary lifestyle to become successful".