BOXING: Young Mutley has been named mandatory challenger to face Ted Bami for the European light-middleweight title, with the fight set to take place in Birmingham next year.

Mutley was a box office hit with Sky during his British welterweight title fight against Kevin Anderson earlier this year, when he lost a gruelling fight in nine rounds.

He was lined up to fight Guiseppe Lauri for the European title last month and his camp were furious when the British Boxing Board of Control denied him the opportunity at short notice. However, they have been offered this potential sweetener.

Bami beat Lauri and Matchroom Promotions want to showcase Mutley once again on national television, so the prospect of Bami being forced to defend in Birmingham in January is increasingly likely.

Three other West Midland pugilists will also be trying to lift a belt in the New Year as Rob Norton, Stuart Elwell and Dean Hickman all attempt to lift an English title.

Stourbridge's Norton finally gets a shot at holder Dean Francis after being overlooked for the vacant British title and the cruiserweight's fight will have to take place by the end of February.

Walsall welterweight Elwell locks horns with John O'Donnell whilst Hickman faces Stoke-on-Trent's Scott Lawton at lightweight.