HEAVYWEIGHT hope Colin Kenna faces one of the toughest tests of his career when big-time boxing returns to Southampton Guildhall later this month.

The unbeaten Lordshill boxer will meet Lancashire dangerman Chris Woollas - a veteran of nearly 50 professional fights.

Another victory could propel Kenna into the top 20 in the British ratings and in line for a bout with some of the big names of the division.

The Dublin-born brother of former Saint Jeff Kenna will be looking to get back to winning ways following an extremely tough November bout with Preston's Paul Buttery.

In that fight Kenna, coming off two quick knockouts, fought back bravely and brilliantly for a draw after being in some difficulty following a slow start against his giant opponent.

Since then he has been working hard in Southampton's Captain's Place gym for the Woollas fight under the watchful eye of veteran manager and trainer Jack Bishop.

Bishop said: "It will certainly be a big test for Colin. Woollas is an extremely durable fighter and I don't think he has ever been stopped in his career.

"He comes to fight and has been involved in quite a few wars in his time. He was someone we tried to avoid early, but Colin has said he wants to fight anyone.

"Woollas is a tough cookie, but Colin is very fit and we will now be spending the next few weeks tuning him up with extra sparring."

Woollas has fought at heavyweight, cruiserweight and light heavyweight, and although he has lost 26 times, there are some impressive names on his record.

He recently took top Kingston heavyweight Jacklord James to a very close points decision and he has twice beaten former British champion Neil Simpson.

Nigel Rafferty and former Audley Harrison opponent Dominic Negus are other names on his record.

Bishop is also working hard to get other Southampton boxers on his Guildhall bill.

Titchfield-based Junior Anderson, a former ABA finalist, will be fighting in a featherweight bout.

Amazingly, Anderson is a direct descendant of former British world heavyweight champion Bob Fitzsimmons.

Cornishman Fitzsimmons is one of the all-time boxing greats and has a place in the boxing hall of fame following his amazing win over James J Corbett at Carson City, Nevada, in 1897.

Before Lennox Lewis came along, he was the last undisputed British world heavyweight champion.

Young Southampton cruiserweight Michael Mathewsian is expected to make his professional debut on the Guildhall bill, while it is also hoped that the British Boxing Board of Control will grant Totton's Danny Cooper a renewal of his licence in time for him to make a professional comeback.

The show takes place on Monday, February 24 and tickets are available from the Southampton Guildhall box office.