Wolves slugger close to title shot

Wolverhampton boxer Dean Harrison is set to fight for a British title.

Harrison's manager Errol Johnson is in talks for the 24-year-old prospect to meet the winner of tonight's British light-welterweight title clash between David Barnes and Barry Morrison at Everton Park sports centre, Liverpool.

Harrison's big night – which would be on a live television show on Sky Sports – could even be in his home city, thanks to his huge army of fans.

Neither the champion Barnes, from Partington in Manchester, or Morrison, from Motherwell in Scotland, are big ticket-sellers.

Harrison, from the Scotlands, pulls in hundreds for his shows and he topped the bill for the first time at the Civic Hall in February when he beat Ghanaian Alex Brew.

Johnson said: "I'm in talks with the British Board of Boxing Control at the moment to see if this can happen.

"It could depends on who wins tonight, but we're hoping to get the fight for Dean whoever wins it.

"If Barry wins, we may have to go to Motherwell, but Dean would sell more tickets.

"We are hoping it could happen in October or November and hopefully in Wolverhampton."

Harrison will be ringside tonight to assess his potential opponent but insists he would beat either Barnes– making his first defence – or Morrison.

He said: "It's most likely that I've got the winner of this fight, but it doesn't matter – I'd beat either of them."

"I've seen them fight and I know I've got more about me."

Harrison, who works as a bricklayer by day, has just agreed a three-year deal with Wednesbury-based First Team Promotions.

He is preparing for a return to the ring at the Civic Hall on September 12, which is intended to be a warm-up for his hoped-for British title shot.

He had been hoping to return on First Team's next show at the Civic on July 24, but his plastic surgeon has advised him to wait until September to allow scars from his bloody points victory over Gary Reid on April 30 to heal.

Harrison has had just 12 pro fights but has won them all and is a man in a hurry.