Andre Lambe is excited to step out of his comfort zone as he prepares to defend his American Boxing Organisation welterweight title in Cleveland, Texas.

The 27-year-old, who won the vacant welterweight regional title after defeating American Cristiano Luciano at The Shed in Dockyard by unanimous decision in January, will be putting his belt on the line at the Cleveland Civic Centre on August 26.

For Lambe, it is an exciting opportunity to test himself outside of the confines of Bermuda.

“We’ve been working on this for a while and so I’m really excited that it’s been confirmed,” said Lambe, who also holds the American Boxing Federation regional welterweight crown after beating Filipino Ronniel Tabayag in a convincing third-round stoppage in May.

“It’s exciting for me to have a change of scenery and do something a little different. You can get too comfortable fighting in Bermuda and so it’s important for me to somewhat step out of my comfort zone and test myself.

“I’ve been getting a little bored fighting on island; I could have been facing anyone in the world, but the surroundings are the same old, same old.

“I need something new to push me and give me a different motivation. It’s a chance to take my career to the next level.”

While Lambe is relishing the bout, he admits the choice to defend his title overseas comes with greater risk.

“There is definitely more risk with stepping out of Bermuda and fighting in the United States,” he added. “However, I think the fact I’m putting my title on the lines speaks for itself.

“You can ask anyone around me, I’m always ready for a challenge. This plan has been in the works for a while and so I was getting a little bit anxious. The fact it’s finally happening is really exciting.

“I’m hungry to showcase myself in other places outside of Bermuda and show people what I’m all about.”

As well as enjoying a different experience, Lambe is also well aware of the significance of gaining a greater level of exposure as part of a bigger fight promotion.

“For me it’s a case of wanting that experience and exposure,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity to go out there, put on a good show and have a set of new eyes on me.

“It’s a chance to try and grow my reputation. The fight night is being put on by El Tigre Promotions who are keen to get me on their circuit more often.

“They have some really big promotions in front of 4,000 to 5,000 people in big cities like Dallas and so that is what I’m working towards, I want to fight on those sort of cards.

“That’s why it’s important to put on a show and show everyone over there what I’m really capable of.”

While Lambe has set his sights on making his mark in the US, he has no intention of making the move to the US permanent, seeing his upcoming bout as not only an opportunity for himself, but his wider coaching team as well.

“I want to showcase myself in other places, but the one thing I don’t want to change is the people around me,” said Lambe, who works under the guidance of long term coach Pelon Andrade.

“I have a great base here working with people who do a hell of a job and so I wouldn’t want to change that.

“Fighting overseas is a great thing for me and my team as well; it will be great for them to be in that environment as well.

“It’s a chance for all of us to learn in a different environment, we’re all quick learners and that’s what we want to show everyone how far we can go.”