Boxer Anth Hardy has the chance of starting his year by winning two titles

SportMail reported last month that the Hartlepool boxer was set for a derby clash with Lee Mould for the Northern Area light-welterweight championship at Darlington in April.

That is still on though it has been put back until May.

But now Hardy has accepted a crack at the British Promoters Association Challenge belt in Rotherham on Saturday, February 6.

It is a tough challenge too, he’ll be taking on Sheffield’s Sam O’maison in his backyard.

However, Gus Robinson Developments head coach Peter Cope says they had no hesitation in taking the eight-round contest.

“When the Northern Area title fight was going to get put back a few weeks, we looked for another bout in addition to that not instead of,” Cope told SportMail.

“We’d have liked this over 10 rounds probably after how well Anth performed over that distance for the English title last year.

“But this is a proper good opportunity for Anth - by the summer he could have two belts.

“He is motivated and he’s in good shape.

“Anth had a bit of time off at Christmas but he’s been back in the gym for the last couple of weeks and there are two and a half weeks to go before this.

“I’m delighted the way he is progressing as a boxer and I’m really looking forward to this.”

Hardy may have his work cut out - O’maison has won 11 of his 12 bouts, four inside the distance.

The 24-year-old Sheffield postman is trained by a famous son of the Steel City, Ryan Rhodes, having formerly been coached by the Ingles.

O’Maison will also be in the home corner at the Dennis Hobson-promoted event at the Magna Centre but Cope says that will not daunt Hardy.

The 23-year-old, from Horden, came of age last summer when he went to Bath to face Joe Hughes for the vacant English light-welterweight belt.

While he lost on a split decision, the County Durham southpaw won many admirers with his display.

“If this was in a neutral venue it would be a 50-50 fight,” added Cope. “It’s probably 60-40 in their favour because it’s on their patch.

“But Anth proved against Hughes that he can travel.

“I’ve seen O’maison before - he’s good and when I saw him he fights the Ingles’ way, hands down and flying around the ring.

“This is a good match of two kids around English title level and it’s a cracking chance for Anth to take another step forward and win himself a belt.”