Ursu awaits challenger for vacant British welterweight title fight next year

PLYMOUTH boxer Constantin Ursu will face a different challenge when he fights for the British welterweight title early next year, with incumbent Conah Walker having vacated his crown.

- By ANDY PHILLIPS

Ursu is mandatory challenger for the British title, with the fight having gone out to purse bids and due to take place before the end of March next year.

However, The Herald understands that it is now expected to take place on Saturday, February 28, back at London's York Hall where Ursu recently won the WBO European welterweight title.

Although his opponent has yet to be confirmed, names touted to challenge include Commonwealth Silver welterweight champion Elliot Whale, former WBO European welterweight champion Owen Cooper, or former WBC Super lightweight champion Henry Turner.

Ursu's coach Marlee Dann said Walker was possibly doing the smart thing in vacating the title, as he is now looking upwards instead.

"He [Walker] is being smart," said Dann. "When he won the British and Commonwealth, Constantin was the number one challenger for the Commonwealth, and he vacated it because he didn't want to fight so soon, so he waited for Pat McCormack.

"He beat McCormack but he didn't defend the British, so now he has vacated the British.