The Neil Fannan heavyweight will be the chief support act in Middlesbrough a week on Friday when Paul Truscott challenges for the vacant Commonwealth title.

Barry Hearn's Matchroom have hastily arranged the promotion at Eston Leisure Centre after their proposed Sky Friday fight night at Liverpool was called off.

Truscott, who was due to be on the undercard of the David Barnes v Barry Morrison British title contest, will now take on Osumanu Akaba of Ghana.

It is the second big night of championship boxing to be staged in the region after Hearn promoted Nigel Wright's Commonwealth light-welterweight challenge against Ajose Olusegun in Peterlee in February.

"I'm excited to see the show up here and Chris getting an eight-rounder," said Fannan, who expects Burton to be facing Lee Swaby of Lincolnshire.

"To be honest, whether it was the chief support or not, I'm not that bothered.

"I'm more interested in it being the right fight for him and I think this is.

"It's a good contest for him, Sky will be televising it so that puts on a little bit of pressure on him, so it should help him move on to the next level.

"Chris has just been away sparring, he looks in good shape and ready for it."

Burton, nicknamed Hightower, has won all 10 of his pro contests and has been impressive, particularly in his last four victories over Paul Butlin, Franklin Egobe and Mathew Ellis.

"To an extent, you could describe Chris as still a bit of a novice," said Fannan. "He's only had 22 fights as an amateur and pro.

"People have said 'Hightower looks a canny fighter.

"But now Chris knows he's a canny fighter, there's a quiet confidence about him."

It is hoped Wright will also box on the show.