Danny Christie is aiming to put Carlisle on the map and his own name up in lights in his big bare-knuckle battle this weekend.

The Currock fighter takes on Anthony Holmes in a top-of-the-bill light heavyweight clash in Leeds.

Victory in his third BKFC fight would give Christie the chance of a world title shot against top American Lorenzo Hunt.

The 38-year-old Cumbrian says he can’t wait to take on Yorkshireman Holmes in his own back yard – and is relishing stepping into “the lion’s den”.

“All the hard work’s been done now – it’s just a matter of getting in there and delivering a career-defining performance, which I’m confident I can do,” he told the News & Star.

“I’m ready and raring to go. There’s no two ways about it, this is probably the best lad that I’ll have faced.

“Anthony Holmes is the reigning, undefeated UK BKFC belt holder and he’s number one for a reason. I’m very proud and privileged to be sharing a ring with him and getting a crack at him.

“The whole bare-knuckle world is watching this fight. I’m like a bomb waiting to go off. I just can’t wait to get in there and deliver.”

Christie has two victories to his name from his first pair of BKFC fights, defeating Terry Brazier in a blood-soaked contest at Wembley Arena before polishing off Darren Godfrey in quick time in Newcastle.

The Carlisle man impressed fight experts on both occasions and his rising status in the bare-knuckle game is reflected in the decision to make his third bout the main event at BKFC 40 Leeds.

To prevail he will have to overcome a highly experienced and decorated fighter in Castleford's Holmes, a former world champion who will have the Yorkshire crowd on his side.

“That’s right up my street, going into the lion’s den, being the underdog, the challenger,” added Christie.

“The bookies will probably have him as heavy favourite. That stuff just motivates me. He’s just a man at the end of the day, regardless of his achievements.

News and Star: Christie, after wins over Terry Brazier and Darren Godfrey (pictured), faces his biggest fight yet this weekendChristie, after wins over Terry Brazier and Darren Godfrey (pictured), faces his biggest fight yet this weekend (Image: Marc Ramsden/BKFC)

“I wholeheartedly believe I can beat him. If that wasn’t the case I wouldn’t be sharing a ring with him.

“I’m not one for making predictions. All I can say is I’m going to throw every punch with bad intentions, and I’ll be going for the knockout as usual.

“Ultimately it’s a sport. There’s nothing personal – I actually quite like Anthony Holmes and I’m sure me and him will get on fine. He’ll be in my prayers all week, hoping we both get home safely to our families. Ultimately, that’s the main thing.

“What will be will be, I’m a big believer in what’s meant for us in this life will not pass us by. It’s either meant for me or meant for Anthony, and time will tell.

“I’m ready to leave it all on the line and go down to the final straw, and do anything to get the win.”

Christie says he has prepared for this fight in a similar way to the previous two, “but just a bit more intensely.”

“I’m quite sure it’s going to go down to the wire, I’m sure he’s going to get me in deep water, because he’s very experienced,” he said.

“May the best man win. I’m raring to go, I can’t wait to lock horns with this man.”

Christie also appreciates the opportunity on the big stage because, earlier this month, he completed a milestone in his campaign to leave behind a past which involved years of drug addiction and imprisonment.

“On Monday, April 10 I was a year clean,” he said. “It’s a very satisfying feeling. But I’ve got to stay grounded and protect life and my recovery.

“We concentrate on the here and now on the programme I’m on, and I have good days and bad days like everybody else. But ultimately my worst day in recovery is far better than my best day when I was using, so I’m a winner.”

He has used his YouTube channel to document his journey and has attracted thousands of followers.

Christie says receiving feedback from those who take inspiration from his story is more satisfying than any praise he might receive along the sporting road.

“The nicest things to hear are when people get in touch and say you’ve helped them come off drugs, get into a gym, achieve so many days sober…that’s where the real substance is for me," he said.

“I never set out to help anybody, I set out to straighten myself out. Now that it seems like I am helping one or two people, that’s a brilliant feeling.

“I can’t read through all my messages – I need a secretary really, it rapidly becomes a full-time job. But the ones I do read, when I get such messages, I always reply and congratulate people on their achievements or forward steps.

“I know how hard it is, especially when you’re talking about drugs and getting clean, it’s a very difficult issue indeed. Ultimately I’m proud and privileged to be in a great position.”

A host of loyal supporters will now be following Christie to Planet Ice in Leeds to see if he can further his bare-knuckle journey.

“A big thank-you to everyone who’s bought tickets and tables and making the journey down to Leeds to support me,” he added.

“A lot of people will be watching back home on pay-per-view as well. It’s a nice feeling, to be giving Carlisle, the city I love, a bit of recognition as well. It’s nice to be putting the place on the map a bit.”

For more details, including how to watch the fight, visit https://www.bareknuckle.tv/