BURY world champion boxer Scott Quigg is determined to make a statement in the biggest fight of his career to date tonight.

The 26-year-old makes the fifth defence of his WBA Super Bantamweight title against Spain's Kiko Martinez at Manchester Arena as he returns to the ring after an eight-month gap following hand surgery after his last successful defence in November against Hidenori Otake.

And he is vowing to wow a packed crowd and send a message to British rival Carl Frampton who beat Martinez for a second time last September to win the IBF Super Bantamweight title.

Quigg said: "“It’s a fight that we want to go out and make a real statement.

“We’ve been preparing for what we expect Kiko to bring – we aren’t leaving anything to chance.

“Kiko’s experience, knowledge and ability has improved dramatically over the years.

"He knows how and when to apply educated pressure rather than a fight like a headless chicken.

“I’m expecting him to come out all guns blazing from the off – he will get a massive shock when I return fire.

"I can assure the fans they will get the performance and statement they deserve."

Martinez is not taking Quigg lightly but believes he can overpower the Bury star.

He said: “Quigg is a very good fighter, technically he is very close to perfection.

"But I think that he is not a great slugger and he has not fought against high-level opponents like I have.

“We have a fight plan for 12 rounds and I will follow it. If I win by knockout it will be better, but the goal is the belt.”