Newark Boxer Chad Sugden has been awarded a surprise shot at the vacant British light-heavyweight title after challenger Craig Richards has withdrawn from his bout against Shakan Pitters next month.

30 year old 6ft6in Birmingham born Pitters has 13 wins and 4 KO’s and will go into the fight as favourite against Sugden who has an 11-1-1 record (4 KO’s) but from supposedly fighting on the events undercard Sugden will now headline a bill at the Coventry screened live on Channel 5 on Saturday 28^th March.

Sugden who caused a massive shock when he held the WBA Continental Champions Richards ranked no10 in the World to a draw after fighting him with just a weeks’ notice last year will go into this fight full of optimism as he aims to secure the prestigious Lonsdale Belt in what will be the first championship fight of his career so far.

25 year old six footer Sugden nicknamed ‘2 slick’ stated  “It’s a dream come true. From fighting Richards at one week’s notice and getting a draw and then being constantly in the gym training over Christmas and New Year looking for the next fight, to then getting a slot on the undercard of Pitters versus Richards and to now getting a shot at the British title is the stuff dreams are made of. I’m not getting carried away with it though, the reality is I’ve got to now train like never before and make this dream real and win the British title. I’ll go into the fight the underdog and I love that because I know I can cause a huge upset.”

The bout’s promoter Mick Hennessy excited by the free to air showing between two exciting young boxers added, “Sugden’s proved he is more than a worthy challenger for the British title after his tremendous performance against Richards and to hold a quality fighter like him to a draw at a week’s notice was a great achievement.  We’re sorry to see Richards having to withdraw due to a viral condition, but at least he has consolation in the fact that he will get first crack at the winner for the British title. Between Pitters and Sugden, we have a real Midlands derby tear-up between a tall, skilled, box-puncher in Pitters and the rough, tough and relentless Sugden which will make for an intense battle with the prestigious British title on the line.  With Richards waiting in the wings, it’s great to see a dearth of talent in the domestic 175 pound division who will square off against each other.”

*Main image @advertisergroup Chad Sugden hoping to cause an upset like he did verses Richards.