STEVE Bendall's promoter Dave Lewis believes the Bournemouth southpaw will be challenging for a World title shot within the next 12 months.

The 27-year-old Westbourne-based middleweight has won all 13 of his professional fights.

And the former England amateur international next goes up against Jason Collins of Sheffield in Dagenham on Saturday, December 8.

Bendall changed camps from Chris Sanigar to the Golden Fists organisation earlier this year after almost 12 months out of the ring and Lewis has been more than impressed with his charge since then.

Lewis said: "We think Steve is one of the most promising talents in the country.

"He joined us having had 10 months out of the ring and he looks better than ever now after two fights in three months.

"Everyone stressed he looked tremendous (against Alan Gilbert in September) and he is certainly ready for a Continental title fight.

"We will move him on and I would say within a year's time, if all goes well, he will be challenging for a World title."

Lewis added: "Steve is an important member of our camp, he's coming up, one with potential.

"We got good reports of his win in South Africa in August (against the Filipino Bert Bado) and the BBC were very happy with his victory over Gilbert."

Collins, whose pro fight record is won 10 lost nine drawn five, is a year older than Bendall and will be a tough nut to crack.

Looking ahead to their clash, Bendall said: "He is going to come on to me and I am not going to have to go looking, which I like.

"I know he is very strong and more experienced than me but he is the type of man I need to be going in against, so it should be a good fight."

It will be a late birthday present for whoever wins as, coincidentally, Bendall's 28th celebration is on December 1 and Collins' 29th four days later.

Tickets for the fight, being staged at Gares Brook Leisure Centre, can be obtained by telephoning Bendall on 07870 570101.

Bendall, who trains in Basingstoke daily, would also be grateful to hear from prospective sponsors on the same telephone number.