Jack Bateson will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental super bantamweight title against Shabaz Masoud this Friday at the Sheffield Arena in England.

The regional champion of the pioneer body will make the first defense of his crown he won last June 18 by defeating Diego Alberto Ruiz by unanimous decision in Leeds.

Bateson is 28 years old and has made a good leap in his career by winning this championship. He now aims to maintain his undefeated record and retain the belt to continue his climb up the 122-pound ranks.

Masoud is a native of Rochdale, Lancashire, and is 26 years old. He is also British and is undefeated in his career. He also faced Diego Alberto Ruiz last year and defeated him by unanimous decision.

Bateson has 17 wins, no losses and 4 knockouts. Masoud has 10 wins, 3 of them before the limit.