WRIGHT BACK IN THE MIX

Nigel Wright is looking forward to a shot at his old English title.

The Gus Robinson-managed light-welterweight is to fight Dean Harrison for the vacant English crown at Houghton-le-Spring on Friday, July 23.

Wright had been earmarked to challenge previous champ Stevie Williams in a 10-round bout which was also acting as an eliminator to the British championship.

It was a contest which Gus had wanted to promote at Spennymoor, only for the Liverpool camp to delay after citing an injury to their fast-emerging boxer.

Williams recovered so rapidly that he was fit enough to accept a British title shot with Lenny Daws!

But the frustration is over for Wright, Gus and coach Peter Cope.

Frank Maloney is promoting a show at Rainton Meadows Arena, where he will stage Wright v Harrison.

Messrs Maloney and Robinson will be applying to the British Boxing Board of Control for eliminator status, meaning the man who emerges with victory on July 23 will be in line for a tilt at the winner of Daws v Williams.

And Gus is hoping it will be all Wright on the night.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Nigel,” said Gus. “Yes, he’s had opportunities before and it’s absolutely down to him to take this one. But he can do it and move forward his career.”

Wright has not boxed since his superb pre-Christmas win in Newcastle when he outpointed former world champion Alex Arthur.

It was a performance which was several notches above the limp display when losing a British and Commonwealth title challenge to Ajose Olusegun in Liverpool almost 12 months ago.

“To be fair to Nigel,” continued Gus. “He did a fantastic job last time out.

“Nigel has the ability to go and do it, but he did not deliver last time (against Olusegun) and the TV people weren’t happy.

“This is now a tremendous chance for him.”