Theophane eyes world prize

Ashley Theophane says Nigel Wright is merely a stepping stone to bigger things ahead of his British title defence on Saturday.

British champion looking beyond Wright ahead of title defence

Ashley Theophane says Nigel Wright is merely a stepping stone to bigger things ahead of his British title defence on Saturday. The much-travelled Theophane defends his light-welterweight strap at the Peterlee Leisure Centre County Durham for the second time. However, the 31-year-old Londoner is hoping to take the show on the road again next year when he will be seeking a world title shot. "I love going into the Lions Den and I'm sure Nigel will be in great shape, but there can be only one outcome and I will silence the fans from the North East on Saturday," he said. "I have been training hard in America for this fight and I am fully focused but this is just a stepping stone towards me winning a world title next year." Wright has been in with the best domestic fighters down the years without coming out victorious but the current English champion believes all that experience will stand him in good stead this weekend. "I will be going into this fight as the underdog, but I will take Theophane to places he has never been before," said the 32-year-old. Chief support will see British flyweight champion Chris Edwards take on Shinny Bayaar more than two years after the latter won a disputed points decision the last time they met.