Taylor vs McCaskill: Felix Cash wants to end frustrating spell by setting up a title shot in 2018

Felix Cash is hopeful that a "frustrating" injury-hit year could prove to be a blessing in disguise as he attempts to close in on a maiden title opportunity.

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The 24-year-old has only fought twice in the last twelve months as he looks to move to 7-0 with victory over Greg O'Neill at York Hall on Wednesday night, with the fight to be streamed live on Sky Sports Facebook.

"By the end of 2018, I would love to be British champion or at least be in contention for the title."

A former Team GB member, Cash is hopeful that, like his stable mate Conor Benn, time away from the ring will only have improved him greatly as a fighter.

"It has been a frustrating year, I've missed a few shows and had to pull out of my scheduled last bout so it's definitely been a mental challenge for me," the middleweight exclusively told Sky Sports.

"I'm in a busy gym so seeing everyone else get out fighting is tough going, I've just had to sit there and bide my time. I'm itching to get busy now and kick on.

"I have been grafting away the whole time in the gym, working on things that I wouldn't have had time for had I been fighting every month or so."

Cash believes he is ready to step up in class should he overcome O'Neill and the former amateur standout is targeting a title opportunity for the New Year.

"I want to use this next outing to put in a good performance and show off my boxing skills. I know I'm not going to be able to knock everyone out so I need to show that I've been working on and developing that side of my game.

"I'm facing someone who likes to come in and have a go so it should be a good, exciting fight.

"Next year, I want to move quickly. In February or March, I want to get some sort of title, maybe the English, Southern Area or even an International belt. Then by the end of 2018, I would love to be British champion or at least be in contention for the title."

Watch Felix Cash and Gamal Yafai in action at York Hall on Wednesday, live on skysports.com, Sky Sports Facebook and Sky Sports YouTube, from 5.00pm.