Date set for Theophane title defence

Kilburn’s Ashley Theophane will defend his British light-welterweight crown against English champion Nigel Wright in Sunderland on 10 December.

Theophane (30-4-1) will take on the Durham fighter (24-6-1) at the Peterlee Leisure Centre in the second defence of the belt he won by beating Lenny Daws at Wembley Arena in February.

The 31-year-old Theophane, who is currently training in New York, wants to challenge for a world title next year.

He recently signed with promoter Ricky Hatton – himself a former world light-welterweight champion – and is keen to take on WBO title-holder Timothy Bradley or Mexican legend Erik Morales, who has the WBC belt.