Booth steps in to face Ward

Nottingham veteran Jason Booth has stepped in to face Martin Ward on September 30 after the Newcastle bantamweight's original opponent Mike Robinson was forced to withdraw.

The pair meet for the English bantamweight title in a fight that neither man can afford to lose.

Booth, a former British and Commonwealth champion as well as world title challenger, has not won in four outings so needs a W on his slate if he has any hopes of resurrecting what has been a tumultuous career.

Ward, on the other hand, has found fights hard to come by of late and has already seen three English title tilts collapse because of opponents pulling out.

"Mike Robinson changed his mind about fighting Martin, and didn't want it anymore," promoter Phil Jeffries told North East Fight Scene.

"With Ward left without an opponent we were in danger of his chance falling through again and needed to get in a quality replacement, and Booth fitted the bill perfectly.

"Jason headlined my 'Summer Rumble 2' show in July at the Stadium of Light and many felt he was very unlucky to lose against Willie Casey for the WBA European title.

"What he showed though is that he is still a brilliant boxer and has lots left. In fact many have said to me that, not only is this a better fight than the original, it's also a much harder challenge for Martin. Both are lovely boxers and this will be a terrific fight."

Hartlepool's Michael Hunter, himself a former world title challenger and ex-Booth foe, will also appear on the card.