Chris Keane will help Shane McPhilbin

Walsall's Christopher Keane will be expecting a call from British champion Shane McPhilbin before he defends his crown against Enzo Maccarinelli.

McPhilbin and Maccarinelli will collide in the first British title fight in nearly four years at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on March 23, live on BoxNation.

Up-and-coming cruiserweight Keane bozes on the undercard and was a sparring partner for McPhilbin before he beat Leon Williams in January.

McPhilbin faces the biggest fight of his career this time against the ex-WBO world and European champion, long considered above the British title.

But Keane believes he can lend a hand by coming back to the McPhilbin camp as he gears up for his clash with the Welshman.

Keane said: "Hopefully, I will get my trainer Paul Hudson to call him and get a few rounds together again, Shane is a nice lad as well.

"He gave me a shout-out on TV straight after he won the British title, he didn't have to to that but it was a great boost for me.

"In this fight, Maccarinelli will be looking to land that right hand, just like Williams was, so we don't really have to spar differently.

"But it's a tough, tough fight for Shane. Enzo is probably the biggest name I have boxed on the same bill as.

"Hopefully, one day, I can get to the sort of level Enzo is at."

Keane takes in a six-rounder on the bill and is dying to lace up the gloves again, after what will be 15 months out of the ring.

The 26-year-old won the 2009 ABA super heavyweight title as an amateur but has only boxed four times since turning pro later that year.

And Keane is hoping to blow away the cobwebs quickly and hit the fast-track to success in the paid ranks.

He said: "I am just glad to get out again, I am a little bit concerned about ring rust but it's going to be there, no matter what.

"There's nothing I can do about it, I could do with the rounds but it all depends on the night.

"If I get him out of there, it would make a bit of a statement."

For tickets, call the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.