Norwich's Danny McIntosh says he intends to spoil a home celebration for Liverpool's Tony Bellow when the pair meet in April.

Champion Bellow puts his British light-heavyweight crown on the line on Saturday, April 14 at the Echo Arena – but McIntosh intends to silence what is bound to be a noisy backing for the home favourite.

'I can't wait for this opportunity to finally get my hands on the British title,' said McIntosh.

'Winning the European title in 2011 was an absolute dream come true, and I will always cherish that moment, but there is something really special about the Lonsdale belt.

'Every boxer in Britain wants to hold that title at some point in their career and, on April 14, I get another chance to put it around my waist.

'We all know Bellew is a very strong puncher with good amateur pedigree, but I feel I have the tools and style to present him with problems and bring those belts back to Norwich with me.'

It's a big ask for McIntosh – Bellew is 16-1 as a professional, winning 10 inside the distance, and last year came close to taking the WBO world light-heavyweight title off champion Nathan Cleverly.

'I'm proud to be British champion, as this is a belt that I spent my entire childhood dreaming about,' said Bellew. 'Holding this belt tells the rest of the world you are the cream of the crop in your country, and that means a lot to me. In order to maintain that tag, I have to clean out my division and prove to the public that I am by far the best light-heavyweight on the domestic scene.

'Danny McIntosh is a very capable fighter in his own right, but I must get him out of the way on April 14 if I am to hold on to my belt and and work my way towards another world title shot. Therefore, this is a major fight in my career and one I have to take seriously.'

The venue is significant: the Echo Arena is regarded as one of the best indoor stages in the country.

'Staging a fight of this magnitude at Liverpool's Echo Arena is a real signal of intent, and shows fans, boxers and fellow promoters exactly where Coldwell Boxing are looking to go in 2012 and beyond,' said promoter Dave Coldwell.

'The Echo Arena is one of Britain's very best indoor arenas and has already staged some of the most thrilling domestic boxing matches in recent years. I have every confidence this British title clash between Bellew and McIntosh could be the best one yet. These men have styles that should mesh nicely on fight night and, as any boxing fan will tell you, both Tony and Danny can end a fight in an instant, such is their punch power.'