Garry Delaney fights for a 'world' title on home turf at West Ham's Upton Park ground on January 23. The Southern Area cruiserweight champion, who pulld out of a scheduled defence of that title earlier this month against David Haye, supposedly with flu, takes on 33-year-old Hull journeyman Tony Booth for the vacant WBU super-cruiserweight crown (a division not recognised by the Boxing Board).
Veteran Booth knows Delaney will start as the odds on favourite, but said: "Don't write me off. I've fought six world champions in a career spanning 131 professional fights, and have fought for the British and Commonwealth titles."
New manager Eugene Maloney has pulled off something of a coup by securing Booth this surprise title shot.
"Eugene told me a couple of months ago that if I won my last two fights he would get me a crack at a major title," said Tony. "I beat Ratcliffe Green and Paul Bronson and Eugene has been true to his word. Although it may not be the most prestigious world title it is still a world title.
"If I win, which I hope I do, then I will be a world champion and nobody will be able to take that away from me."
Booth will easily make the super-cruiserweight limit of 14st 12lb, but he said: "I want to come in around 14st 8lb, which I think it will give me extra speed, which could be crucial."