STEPHEN FOSTER JR is hoping big fight opponent Ermano Fegatilli isn’t as clever in the ring as he is outside of the ropes.

The Belgian is the cleverest boxer in the world, having attained a Masters in Economics with the highest honours at Liege University in 2007.

Fegatilli, 26, challenges for Foster Jr’s European super-featherweight title in the Premier Suite at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday February 26.

The boxing boffin now works as a consultant in health management at the University Hospital of Liege.

Fegatilli who speaks five languages – his native tongue French, Dutch, English, Italian and Spanish said: “Boxing is a wonderful sport which combines so many values such as discipline and spirit.

 “It takes more than intelligence to pass the exams I had to pass. It takes discipline and spirit, the exact same values as boxing.

“I am also a highly competitive person that likes to compete on all levels, not only on the part of intelligence. I want to test my body and spirit all the time.”

Fegatilli has boxed professionally since April 2005, winning 22 of his 26 fights.

He is currently on an eight fight winning streak and is the official challenger for  the  crown Foster Jr lifted  with an upset KO of Levan Kirkosyan, back in October.

 In the chief supporting contest, St Helens scrapper Craig Lyon makes the first defence of his English super-bantamweight title against Barnsley’s Josh Wale in a War of the Roses.

Unbeaten British Olympian Joe Murray faces his toughest test so far against Frenchman Daniel Kodjo Sassou who recently extended Scott Quigg

Others hopefuls on the undercard include Belarusian star Sergey Rabchenko tackles former Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Martin Concepcion, Kieron Maher faces Lester Walsh, Richard Towers meets Daniel Bispo, Adam Etches fights Aleksei Tsatiasvili. Dezzie Higginson and Jack Perry meet selected opponents.

Tickets for’ Night of Champions’ £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com  /0844 847 2500/0161 775 7500

HATTON BELIEVES VASSELL WILL BE IN FIGHT OF 2011

RICKY HATTON is predicting that Denton Vassell’s showdown against Bethuel Ushona will be the fight of the year.

The unbeaten pair clash at Wigan’s Robin Park Sports Centre on Saturday 26th March with Mancunian Vassell risking his Commonwealth welterweight crown

Hatton who takes a keen interest in Vassell’s training under Bob Shannon said: “This will not be a fight for the feint-hearted.

“I have taken a look at a tape of Ushona and he really comes to fight, and with Denton having a similar style to Mike Tyson, fireworks are guaranteed.

“At Hatton Promotions we have a reputation for top quality matchmaking and this could be a fight we talk about for years to come.

“It goes without saying that I believe Denton wins the fight, but he will have to come through some rough patches for sure.”

Ushona, has won all 23 fights and is the reigning WBO Africa title holder.

Vassell, unbeaten in 16 contests will be making the first defence of the title he won against Lee Purdy last April.

A second title fight on the bill sees Blackpool’s Matt Askin challenge Neil Dawson for the vacant Central Area cruiserweight title in a battle of unbeaten men.

Other boxers in action include Tom Doran, Adam Little, Rhys Roberts and Jez Wilson.