Willie Limond, the reigning International Boxing Organisation Intercontinental champion from Glasgow, learned yesterday that he will earn a shot at a full blown world title if he beats the Englishman Graham Earl at the SECC on June 14, writes Jim Black.

Promoter Barry Hughes confirmed: "The winner of Limond-Earl has to fight for the full version of the IBO title within 120 days and we are looking at staging the contest at the SECC in August in what will be our first world title show."

The chance to elevate himself to the status of a world champion is a dream come true for Limond who admitted that he never even contemplated being given such an opportunity at 29.

Limond said: "This is a massive fight considering what is at stake. I have sensed for a while that I am a late developer and I am starting to prove it. I feel I am getting better with each fight, but this one coming up will be tough for both of us. It is not the ideal situation fighting someone you are friendly with but it's just business at the end of the day."

Earl, 29, suffered a first-round stoppage in his most recent fight, against Amir Khan last December, but the former British and Commonwealth champion insists that he was the victim of poor refereeing.

"Khan jumped on me from the first bell but he certainly didn't hurt me," Earl said. "I tried to throw a punch and slid down the ropes and that is when the referee intervened prematurely. What happened was disgraceful, he did not beat me fair and square."

nJunior Witter's long road towards acceptance as the world's No.1 light-welterweight continues in Nottingham tonight when he puts his World Boxing Council title on the line against the unbeaten American Timothy Bradley.

The 34-year-old from Bradford knows he must impress if he is to increase the public clamour for a showdown with Ricky Hatton.

Also on the bill, the Nottingham super-middleweight Carl Froch will bid to stay focused on an imminent crack at the WBC super-middleweight title with victory over late replacement Albert Rybacki.

Froch has already been installed as the top contender for the title likely to be vacated soon by Joe Calzaghe.