THROWBACK fighter Nigel Wright could make the next defence of his English light-welterweight championship against unbeaten Manchester hopeful Karl Place.

Promoter Frank Maloney believes the winner would also become mandatory challenger for Ashley Theophane’s British crown.

Co-Durham’s Wright (24-6-1) made an impressive second title defence on Saturday handing out a boxing lesson to previously unbeaten Nicki Smedley in Sheffield.

Maloney said: “I have been lucky enough to work with Nigel during his career and he is like an old school fighter. He was flawless against Smedley.

“He reminds me a lot of former British light-welterweight champion from the 1970s, Joey Singleton.

“They both lose occasionally, but even in defeat rarely put in a bad performance. There are few better professionals in Britain.

“I hope to speak with Nigel’s manager Gus Robinson and seeing if they fancy Place next, and I am hopeful especially if it is a British title eliminator.

“People keep telling me that Karl is a special fighter in the making. We would find out in that for sure if he fought Nigel. If you beat Nigel you go places, but not many people seem to right now”

Wright has gone close in major title fights against Lenny Daws and world ranked Ajose Olusegun and Maloney added: “Nigel is still only 31 and I would love to get him another big fight.

“He is in the form of his life and it would also be nice for Gus and Nigel’s trainer Peter Cope, who are most probably the easiest people in boxing to deal with.

“Nigel has been loyal to them for a lot of years and that is good to see in an era where so many fighters seem to think the grass is greener on the other side.”

First though Karl must deal with the very tricky Michael Grant on June 11th in Liverpool.

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