WILLIE LIMOND is within one fight of realising his dream of a world title shot.

The Glaswegian's June 14 SECC punch- up with former British, Commonwealth and WBU champion Graham Earl has been made a final eliminator for the full IBO world title.

But first things first, and Limond, 29, will not allow his world dream to disrupt his preparations for the all-Brit battle.

He said: "Being a final eliminator obviously adds something to this one. But I can't let that interfere with how hard I will train for and focus on Earl.

"It is the old situation where this fight is like a cup semi-final and they say these are always the hardest to win, and I'm sure Earl will be the same for me.

"From some of the stuff Earl has said it is obvious how up for this he is, and I must match that intensity. I have already started sparring and I put in a tough six rounds with Martin Watson on Friday.

"I want to climb through the ropes on June 14 knowing I have left no stone unturned and nothing to chance and that I am ready to deliver a career-best performance, because that is what it may take for me to beat Earl."

Limond revealed he will not watch the DVD of Earl's last fight - a disastrous first round stoppage by Amir Khan that had questions being asked about the Englishman's punch resistance.

Limond said: "For me that fight was a one off and Earl got caught cold and admitted as much. There's no point wasting time watching it.

"Earl will expect me to come out the traps quick and try and take him out cold like Khan did. In that respect I am planning to be a little bit cuter.

"But the fans were awesome for my last fight with Martin Watson at the SECC and hopefully June 14 will take things up another level."