James Toney, Ghana's African middleweight boxing champion is to challenge for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International title next year.

In this regard, his managers have lined up a couple of fights for him to enable him to gain more ring experience and put him in tip top shape before the title fight.

Mr. Anthony Kermah, manager of Toney told the GNA Sports on Monday that he has scheduled the boxer to be in a position to fight for bigger titles after he has annexed the International title.

The WBC international title is open to upcoming boxers, particularly, those from the less advanced boxing nations, who have the potential of becoming world champions in their various divisions.

According to the manager, one of the warm up fights for Toney comes up at the Kaneshie Sports Complex on Friday, November 30 against a Nigerian opponent, Basil Osigwe over ten rounds.

He said Basil has a ring record of ten professional fights, winning seven five by way of knockout and losing three.

Mr Kermah described Basil as a very tough boxer who punches very hard and is durable when on the defensive.

He said plans are also in the pipeline to give Toney an overseas training opportunity to broaden his ring-craft and experience.

Toney, on the other hand, remains undefeated since turning professional last year, winning eight of his nine fights via knockout.

Meanwhile the African champion has stepped up preparations for the fight against Osigwe.

After sweating it out at the Accra Sports Hall, he told the GNA Sports that he would add Basil to his list of victims.

Toney however declined to predict the round in which the fight would end, adding that it would be another fine opportunity for his fans to see how steadily he is progressing towards a world title.