On March 28, Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs) will box Alex Murphy (14-2) on the undercard of Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash with Jermaine Franklin. The 10-round lightweight fight will be broadcast live from Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena by DAZN.

It is hard to know exactly why it has taken this long. The 30-year-old from Earby can fight.

He seemed set for lift off after beating Lewis Wood to win the English junior lightweight title in November 2024.

English title fights are usually well-matched, nip and tuck battles but Holmes turned it into an exhibition. He chopped up and stopped the tough Area champion in four impressive rounds.

A potential British title fight with Reece Bellotti fell through and Holmes’ only appearance of 2025 was another routine six round win on the regional circuit.

At long last, Holmes has the chance to show a far larger audience what he can do.

“You think it's a nice and easy train for a six rounder but it's so hard, especially getting pushed back after that English title fight,” Holmes told The Ring.

“You think, ‘Honestly, am I really doing this again?'

“For this, it's completely different. Like with the Lewis Wood fight and other fights where I've known I've had to step up- like Dean Dodge [a first round stoppage win] - I turn into a different animal in training and nothing fazes me at all.”

Holmes has had to wait for his chance but he isn’t a veteran determined to enjoy his one moment in the spotlight. He believes this will be the first of many big nights.

During fight week, those unfamiliar with Holmes will reel out the lazy cliches about the fight with Murphy being a great clash of styles and turn up on the night expecting to see two triers scrapping for their futures.

Holmes is hoping to shock them.

He has good feet, fast hands and flair. He also has former Ring Magazine trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher, in his corner.

The plan is for people to leave the Co-op Live talking about his performance.

“There won't be many people who will know about me watching me on that show because I've done it through the hard way on small hall shows,” he said.

“Your name just doesn't get out there. I might have won the English title but unless you're on TV people aren't seeing you, especially the casual viewers.

“I think hopefully I can shock a few people and they end up thinking, “Who's this kid?” My aim is to put in a good performance and get asked back. That's the main thing.

“It's got to be a good performance and it's got to be a win in style. I don't want it to be a close fought fight. I don't think that's good enough. I'm ready to go now. I just can't wait.”