EMMA McCulloch is out for revenge and a belt to put round her waist as she prepares for her upcoming title fight.

The Lochgelly boxer will return to ring next Friday hoping to even the score against a familiar foe.

McCulloch will face Dani Hodges for the Celtic light flyweight title at the Gilvenbank Hotel, in Glenrothes, on January 31.

It is the second time the pair will have gone toe-to-toe after they first met back in July.

Hodges emerged victorious on that occasion against Glenrothes Boxing Club member McCulloch.

Judges ruled 58-57 in favour of the English fighter and a rematch has now been slated with more than just bragging rights at stake.

British Boxing Board of Control, UK boxing's governing body, gave the thumbs up to allow McCulloch and Hodges to compete for the Celtic title this month over six rounds in what will be the first ever pro-am event to be held in Scotland.

The 28-year-old is a four-time Boxing Scotland Elite Championship women's light flyweight 48kg champion and that is the weight set for the upcoming fight.

This will be the Lochgelly star's third professional contest and her dad, Allan, is confident she'll have her hand raised.

He told Time Sport: "It was a close fight last time and I think everyone thought that Emma had done enough to win it. Hodges was also very surprised.

"Emma knows that if she boxes the same way as she boxed against Hodges in England, she's got a great chance. She's pretty confident.

"She's never stopped training over Christmas and New Year". Allan added: "Emma's done a 14-week training camp and not really celebrated the holidays just for the simple reason that it means that much to her.

"It will be a tough fight, without a shadow of doubt.

"Emma has had two bouts and Hodges has had eight, so there is a wee bit of difference there in terms of experience.

"We're confident that if she boxes the same as she did last time against her, she'll win it up here. We're delighted that the fight has been sanctioned.

"Stevie McGuire (McCulloch's coach) wouldn't organise a Celtic title bout with Emma if he didn't think she was ready for it.

"If Stevie didn't think she was at that level yet or the experience needed, the fight wouldn't be going ahead. That's the way he works.

"He feels that Emma's got a very good chance."

McCulloch made the decision to leave the amateur ranks last year, becoming the first female Fife professional boxer.

She defeated Bulgaria’s Teodora Hristova in February at the Gilvenbank Hotel over four rounds by unanimous points decision in her first venture into the pro ring.

She is sponsored by Diamond Fitness, of Lochgelly, Ryan Knox Carpet Fitter, and Cartmore Building Supplies.

Tickets for the show cost £75 for all the professional and amateur boxing on the card, plus a four-course meal.

For tickets, please contact: 07957 450322 or 07837 118564.