Tom Doran says he is in the shape of his life and ready to grasp what he describes as a ‘golden chance’ when he steps into the ring in the Prizefighter competition on Saturday night.

Deeside fighter Doran, from Connah's Quay, will be a star of the small screen this weekend as he bids to land the coveted Prizefighter Middleweights crown at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The tournament will be shown live on Sky Sports and, as well as carrying a £32,000 purse for the victor, it has been credited with helping to relaunch a number of careers and open doors on the domestic scene.

The likes of Martin Murray and Audley Harrison have all emerged as Prizefighter champions previously and Doran, 27, is aiming to add his name to that list in a bid to land a shot at a British title.

He faces a tough start to proceedings after drawing Birmingham's 26-year-old southpaw Craig Cunningham in the quarter-final, but Doran can't wait to step between the ropes.

“I’m absolutely buzzing for this weekend and I just can’t wait to get out there and step in that ring,” said Doran.

“Prizefighter opens loads of doors and gives you great exposure on national television and it virtually lands you a shot at a British title. That’s what I want, a springboard to bigger things.

“I’ve never felt fitter in my life. I’m in great shape and I’ve been putting in some serious hard work in the gym and sparring well. I’m not going there to make up the numbers, I’m going there to win it.

“I believe I’ve got what it takes to claim the title and the other guys should be wary of me. I’m hungry for this.”

Doran, who trains at Shotton ABC, was primed for a domestic title shot when he blew away Max Maxwell in the first round back in 2011, but the Quay ace took a step back from boxing and only returned to action last year following a three-year hiatus.

He won all 11 of his bouts as a professional and was signed up by respected promoter Dave Coldwell upon his return to action.

Coldwell will be ringside for this weekend’s showdown on the Lancashire coast, which will see Doran battling with seven other prospects for the coveted crown and a shot at the big time.

“Prizefighter has been the reason for many careers getting a sudden boost and this Saturday is no different for Doran,” said Coldwell.

“I’ve been impressed with his attitude since we got together and I know he’ll give it his all on Saturday night.

“He’s a well-supported lad and he can look after himself in the ring. The field is wide open for Prizefighter this weekend and there’s a few names I’ve got my eye on as threats to Tom, but I’m certain he’ll be considered a threat by every other fighter on the night.”

“Tom deserves to be among the favourites. It’s going to be hard picking a winner but I’m more than happy with Tom and I think he could be the one on Saturday night.”

Sky Sports 1 will be screening the action from the Winter Gardens on Saturday night, with coverage starting at 7pm.