Wednesday is a big day in the career of Joe Howarth.

He's headed 180 miles south to the nation's capital, aware that many expect he'll be soundly beaten and potentially the stepping stone Giorgio Visioli uses to prop himself up for a 2026 where he seeks graduation from prospect to bonafide lightweight contender.

Their English lightweight title fight tops Matchroom's 10-fight bill featuring prospects across several divisions, streamed live on DAZN from indigo at the O2 in London.

Known for not enjoying the media side of the sport, the Wigan man nonetheless has grown in comfort - even if just a little - from being under affable heavyweight Dave Allen's wing and being exposed to Matchroom cards earlier in the year, flickering between the bright lights and the humble small-hall surroundings where many like him cut their teeth.

Six-round decision victories over Mario Valenzuela Portillo and Karl Sampson have seen him rewarded with a considerable upgrade for the former regional beltholder, in what was originally to be an English title eliminator.

Now, Louie O'Doherty's British title victory over Regan Glackin means they will fight for the vacant strap - much like Visioli's promotional stablemate Jimmy Sains did two months ago.

"This was first offered to us in February, we took it but for some reason it didn't happen then, was offered again and here we are," he tells The Ring plainly when asked about how this matchup came to fruition.

Since his narrow points loss by Josh Sandford, how has he evolved 2.5 years later?

"You've got to train and make weight the proper way, can't cheat anything in this game otherwise you'll get found out - that’s what happened to me. I'd say it was a blessing in disguise, yeah.

"I always had confidence, a lot of it aswell, but if me and Dave didn't think I could win, I wouldn't have accepted the offer. I'm coming in here to win this, didn't travel all the way to London to get beat."

With that in mind, what does he believe is Visioli's biggest strength?

"Probably his speed, he’s quite fast but my timing is good, so we'll see. Nothing has changed, I just train for every fight like it’s a world title."

"Moving to Doncaster and being there Monday-to-Friday, away from my kids and family, is a massive sacrifice. A win on Wednesday night changes my kids' lives, I've got two of my own and a step-daughter, there's more mouths to feed."

Having become a teenage parent aged 15 means the Wigan man, still only 23, has needed to mature quickly. Being responsible for three children, seven or younger, isn't an easy task for anyone - let alone someone in a position as volatile as his own - so he pauses for thought when asked how parenthood has helped mould his character in recent years.

"If I didn't have kids, I wouldn't be boxing. It's hard, I wouldn't just do all of this for myself. I did start because I loved the sport at 13 but, I was 13… on-and-off for six years and then properly knuckled down a few years ago.

"I fell out of love with it for a bit, was young and doing stupid stuff but got through all that and I’m here now. I was a bit nuts from 14-to-20 but since turning professional, I've calmed down a lot."

What is the one thing he wants to show, that he hasn't already, come fight night?

"People still haven't seen how good I can actually box. Look at my [previous] opponents, yeah, Giorgio is the one that will bring that out of me, just wait and see."