A BOLTON boxer will fight for a title in a local derby later this month.

‘Big’ Ben Thomas takes on Chorley’s Mark Jeffers for the Central Area super middleweight title on Sunday, January 19 at the Wythenshawe Lifestyle Centre.

The 27-year-old from Breightmet has had an up and down start to his professional career, winning two fights but also losing three and drawing one.

He will head into battle as the underdog against Jeffers with the 21-year-old unbeaten in his 10 fights.

The fight is part of the M22 Promotions show being put together by Joe Gallagher, the two-time trainer of the year now having also turned his hand to promoting in his local area.

Gallagher, who trains his world-famous stable at Amir Khan’s Gloves ABC on Prince Street in Bolton, has one of his charges, Sam Hyde, in the main event.

The 26-year-old from Sale faces Deion Jumah for the English cruiserweight title in a fight that is also acting as a final eliminator for the British belt.

Hyde has only lost once in 17 professional fights in a brave effort against now British champion Richard Riakporhe in November of 2018.

Having worked his way back into contention the man with eight knockouts on his record is looking to inflict a first defeat on Londoner Jumah.

“I’m so happy to kick off the year with a well overdue title fight for Sam, in a great bout in his home city,” said Gallagher.

“It will be our third show, so to have a domestic battle which leads to the winner contending for the British title is really exciting.

“There’s some other names there too and we managed to sell out last time.”

Marcus Morrison, Connor Lynch and Osh Williams are among the other top North West talent in action on the Sunday afternoon bill.

Doors will open at 12.30pm and the first fight will commence at 1.30pm. Tickets, available from the fighters and the venue, are priced at £15 for children, £35 for adults and £65 for ringside.