STEPHEN FOSTER JR has been handed a crack at the British super-featherweight championship – provided he triumphs next week.
The Salford ace, 31, was on the brink of a world title fight 11 months ago but lost his European title when he was shocked on points by Ermano Fegatilli.
Foster is out to prove he still has plenty to offer in a six rounder against Yauheni Kruhlik (10-13-3)at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday 4th February – his first contest since that setback.
And if Stephen impresses against the durable Belarusian he can expect to face the winner of March’s British title showdown between Gary Buckland and Paul Truscott.
Back in October 2010, Foster (28-3-1) caused the upset of the year knocking out Levan Kirakosyan and promoter Ricky Hatton is backing him to bounce back.
The Hatton Promotions CEO said: “This is a very important fight for Foster Jr.
“He was on the crest of a wave winning the European title when he beat Kirakosyan but after being in such great form lost against Fegatilli.
“There were rumours of illness surrounding the loss but if he bounces back with a win in Bolton I expect to match him against the winner of Buckland-Truscott, giving him a chance to win the British title.”
In the bill topper unbeaten Bury star Scott Quigg makes the first defence of his British super-bantamweight title against Jamie Arthur on the card being televised live on Sky Sports.
On the same bill Joe Murray meets a selected opponent, hopefully for the vacant English featherweight crown.
Rendall Munroe features in a non-title eight rounder when he tackles Argentinian Jose Saez.
The card will also include Stephen Foster Jr v Yauheni Kruhlik. Matty Askin v Attila Palko, Craig Lyon v Yuri Voronin, Jazza Dickens v Michael Ramabaletsa, Feargal McCrory v Jason Nesbitt and Tasif Khan v Selected Opponent.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or online www.hattonboxing.com
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