Tony Owen is itching for a step up in class after strolling to another comfortable points victory at the weekend.

Owen stretched his unbeaten start to eight fights after controlling every round in a one-sided points win over Jason Nesbitt in Crawley.

And the Carshalton lightweight has his eyes on tougher challenges in the near future.

Owen said: “I am definitely looking to fight a better level of opponent.

“I think it is time to step things up.

“I feel ready but at the end of the day it is all down to my manager.

“There is no rush as most fighters hit their prime in their late 20s or early 30s so I have time on my side.

“But I would like a tougher fight next time out.”

Owen dominated from first to last against Nesbitt without ever looking like putting his man away.

And the 23-year-old admitted he was happy to go the distance.

Owen added: “He was just a survivor really.

“He did not make it easy and he was very strong.

“I knew it would take a lot to stop him so it was a case of going out there, getting the rounds in and enjoying it.”

The construction site worker hopes to be back in the ring before Christmas as he looks to end 2010 with a bang.

And, having recently switched managers to Mick Elliot, Owen is setting his sights high.

He added: “As I had been out of the ring for a while Mick wanted to have a look at me and that is why I was in with someone I knew I could beat.

“I do not have a problem with that and hopefully now I can move on.

“If things go to plan I shall have another fight in November and then target a step up in 2011.”