Ollie Pattison has enlisted the help of some of boxing’s biggest hitters as he looks to put a string of disappointments behind him.

The London Colney light-heavyweight has been sparring with the likes of James DeGale and Frank Buglioni ahead of his first fight in a hugely disappointing 2018.

The 28-year-old had won his opening eight professional fights and was all set to fight for the International Challenge Belt in March until a bicep injury in the lead-up ruled him out.

He missed out on another date after deciding to concentrate on the opening of his gym and suffered further disappointment when a show in August was cancelled.

But he will step back in the ring at the iconic York Hall on October 6 and he insists his time out of the ring hasn’t been wasted.

He said: “I’m the type who’s always in the gym and even though I haven’t boxed recently, I feel I’ve been progressing.

“I’ve sparred a lot of rounds with James DeGale and Frank Buglioni and that’s going to do you good.

“I’m looking to get some rounds under my belt now and push on.”

Prior to his planned title fight against Slovakian Jozef Kolodzej in March, Pattison had told the Herts Ad that the battle for gold was going to bring out the best in him.

And that urge to fight for and win a title is something that still drives the rangy six foot three fighter.

He said: “I’m hoping to be 10-0 by the end of the year and ready to go for the Southern Area or English titles.

“And by the end of next year, I want to be knocking on the door of the British title.”

And he remains convinced he has the tools to reach his Lonsdale belt target.

He had a 72-bout amateur apprenticeship with Finchley & District ABC before turning professional in 2015 and said: “I know I have the talent.

“I boxed good people in the amateurs who have gone on to do well and I’m more than confident I will get there.

“Naturally, I’m a boxer. I can box people’s heads off.

“But I’ve got the grit now as well. I can dig in and grind out results when I have to.”

Tickets for the show in Bethnal Green are available from 07495 985183.

Details of his opponent have yet to be released.