The 28 year-old has been vocal in his desire to set up a meeting with the Commonwealth title holder in what would be a mouth-watering domestic meeting if an agreement can be reached.
Askin watched a replay as Watkins, also 28, recently defended his belt against Mike Stafford in Leicester and believes there’s no reason why the pair cannot share a ring together in the coming months.
“I think the Luke Watkins fight is one that can be easily made. We’ve both got belts and I want the fight, he seems to want the fight so on my part it’s all go,” Askin exclusively told World Boxing News.
“As a fighter, I don’t think Luke Watkins is up to much. To be fair, he’s done alright so far but it’s a fight for me that is easily winnable.
“Me and the team sat down properly the other day to watch his fight against Mike Stafford and he makes a lot of mistakes. For me, he got beat in that fight.
“Stafford hasn’t boxed at a high level for a few years and he’s only a small cruiser. So for Stafford to be winning that fight, in my eyes, I can’t give too much credit to Watkins.”
After three straight victories over opponents who hold undefeated records in Simon Barclay, Tommy McCarthy and Craig Kenneday, Askin was quizzed on whether more credit was due for his accomplishments.
“I don’t really care what people seem to think, if they watch the fights they’ll see good performances. Whether they give me any credit or not doesn’t really affect what happens to me in the future,” he pointed out before summarizing his plans for 2018.
“I was looking forward to jumping in the ring with Stephen Simmons but unfortunately these things happen with injuries. I’m hoping now that I’m fully fit to get out as quickly as I can.
“For me – without Watkins, the European title is the next step. That gets me onto the world scene so that’s definitely something I will be chasing.
“Hopefully I can pick up a few belts in the New Year and then by the end of the year get that world title fight,” added Askin.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
