MALMESBURY boxer Joe Hughes will defend his English super-lightweight title against the unbeaten Jack Catterall, a former sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Jr.

After claiming the crown in July 2015 following victory over Anthony Hardy, Hughes suc - cessfully defended his belt in December with a points win over Anthony Upton, a Ricky Hatton protege.

However, he will face his big - gest challenge against Lanca - shire’s WBO inter-continental champion later this year.

Catterall is top of the British rankings, unbeaten in his 14 fights and sparred with the five- division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr ahead 2015’s his - toric fight with Manny Pacquaio.

The 22-year-old has also sparred with WBC world middle - weight champion Saul Alvarez.

As for Hughes, the 25-year-old is ranked ninth in the country by BoxRec, and is training hard in preparation for one of the big - gest fights of his career.

He finished 2015 with four wins from four which saw two of his competitors’ unbeaten runs come to an end so Catterall cer - tainly won’t underestimate the holder.

The British Board of Control have called for purse bids for the contest which are due in by 12:00pm on Wednesday, February 10.

Both boxers have been eagerly anticipating the contest, trading barbs over Twitter, but the real work begins now.

The referee, date and venue are still being decided.