Shropshire’s leading boxer Mark Lloyd has been granted a shot at a British title in April.

Lloyd will meet unbeaten Sheffield puncher Kell Brook for the welterweight crown at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on April 24. 

The fight was due to take place in January, only for the British Boxing Board of Control to refuse to sanction it as they felt Lloyd was too low in the rankings. 

But the bout has now been given the all-clear, and it means Lloyd will no longer be fighting on the bill featuring Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Billy Jo Saunders in Birmingham on February 28. 

Lloyd said: “I went to the gym and Errol (Johnson, manager and trainer) said he had some bad news and some good news. The bad news was that the fight on February 28 was off. The good news was that I was fighting for a British title. 

“I couldn’t believe it and I still don’t think it has sunk in yet. I thought my chance had gone when the Board didn’t sanction the fight but my backroom room have argued that decision. 

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m going to make sure I take it. I’m in great shape now and I’ve had a real spring in my step since I heard the news. 

“I went for a nine-mile run straight after I heard and did it in 57 minutes – nearly three minutes quicker than I’ve ever done before.” 

Shifnal-based Lloyd insists he is confident of victory, and has called on local backing. 

“This isn’t just about me, it’s about putting Telford on the map,” added the 33-year-old. “I’ve never been more confident about anything and it would be great to have the whole of Telford there backing me.”

By James GARRISON