BURY world champion Scott Quigg hopes to add to the town's sporting feelgood factor when he makes his fifth defence of his WBA Super Bantamweight title against Kiko Martinez on Saturday.

The self-confessed Shakers fan was thrilled when David Flitcroft's side clinched promotion to League One on the final day of last season.

And now he wants to keep the positive vibe around the town by extending his unbeaten record to 33 fights at the Manchester Arena as he returns after an eight-month absence.

Quigg told Bury Times: "Bury is thriving at the minute with what the football team have done as well.

"Chairman Stewart day and manager David Flitcroft have done a cracking job with the Shakers winning promotion and I think they will have another good season.

"I want to add to that mood and keep hold of my world title to keep Bury on the sporting map."

Quigg still dreams of fighting at Gigg Lane in the future but for now he calls the Manchester Arena home as he prepares for a fourth outing in five fights in the city centre.

And with Gallaghers Gym stablemate, Mancunian Anthony Crolla, also contesting a world title bout this weekend, Quigg predicts a crackling atmosphere.

He said: "I still dream of fighting at Gigg Lane – to walk out of that tunnel in front of something like 15,000 home-town fans would be something special and incredible.

"But the Manchester Arena feels like home as well as it is not too far away and I get great local support.

"Having Anthony on the same bill on Saturday and also for a world title will make it a special night and I think Manchester's biggest fight night since Ricky Hatton beat Kostya Tszyu 10 years ago."

Quigg returns to the ring for the first time since November having needed surgery on a hand injury he suffered in his last successful defence against Japan's Hidenori Otake.

For a committed champion like Quigg such a long lay-off is unusual but he believes it may have actually been timely and given him a chance to recahrge his batteries as he prepares for what is arguably his toughest fight yet against Spain's former world title holder.

He added: "Eight months out is a long time for me but mentally I probably needed it.

"I had a month off recharging the batteries then did not waste any time.

"I am a happy fighter at the minute and believe I'm in the best shape of my career and have improved 20 per cent in the build up to this fight.

"I know what Martinez will bring but I’m confident that I can go out there and do a number on him.

"I expect the best performance from myself every time I step into the ring and Saturday will be no different."