The featherweight, Paul Appleby, has been elevated to the status of British title contender after just 10 professional bouts. The 20-year-old from South Queensferry has been confirmed as the mandatory challenger for fellow Scot John Simpson's title.

Appleby, who has a perfect record, was due to face Martin Lindsay, of Belfast, in a final eliminator which was to have doubled as a showdown for the vacant Celtic title. However, Lindsay has withdrawn from the proposed bout to undergo mouth surgery.

Tommy Gilmour, Appleby's manager, said: "When I learned of Lindsay's problem I made an application to the British Boxing Board for Paul to be made the official challenger and they agreed. The bout is out to purse offers and I would expect it to take place before the end of July.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for Paul and one I am confident he will take because, despite still having some rough edges, he is an outstanding prospect. "These are the sorts of fights that are making Scottish boxing great again."

Appleby will feature on the undercard of the McIntyre-Anderson showdown at the Kelvin Hall on February 29 in a warm-up for his clash with 24-year-old Greenock-based Simpson. Appleby added: "I am delighted. I never thought this fight would happen so quickly, but I feel I am ready for such a challenge and I am very confident of being successful."