STEPHEN FOSTER JR is reaping the rewards after trainer Maurice Core persuaded him not to quit.

Core’s words of wisdom worked and Foster Jr has been in dreamland since landing the European super-featherweight championship when he knocked out world ranked Levan Kirakosyan last year.

Foster Jr, 30, was on the brink of walking away from boxing two years ago beset by personal and career problems.

Instead he is looking forward to a first title defence against Belgian Ermano Fegatilli in the Premier Suite at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday February 26.

Former British light-heavyweight champion Core was one of the success stories from the late Phil Martin’s Champs Camp in the 1990s.

Core said: “Phil always would say to us all including Steve’s dad, ‘stay in the gym because you’re not Olympic champions and nobody will hand you a title fight’.

“He knew that if we kept training the fights and wins would come, and championship success would follow.

“Every day I would say the same thing to Steve and thankfully he listened when it would have been easier to walk away.

“When he was out in the wilderness for 18 months with things going wrong, how hard must have it for him to believe me?

“He has persevered, and his dedication is an example to every young fighter. He has already been training for seven weeks.”

In a fascinating chief supporting contest Manchester’s English super-featherweight champion risk his crowns against former British king Carl Johanneson, who hails from Leeds.

Whoever wins their ‘War of the Roses’ clash is also guaranteed a crack at reigning British title holder, Gary Sykes

It is also hoped that unbeaten St Helens boxer Craig Lyon will also risk his English super-bantamweight title if a suitable opponent can be found.

Also fighting on the bill is Mancunian Olympic star Joe Murray. He is up against tough Frenchman Daniel Kodjo Sassou who recently took Scott Quigg 12 rounds.

Others hopefuls on the undercard include Belarusian star Sergey Rabchenko,Keiron Maher, Richard Towers and Sheffield’s big ticket seller Adam Etches.

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

DENTON VASSELL will make the first defence of his Commonwealth welterweight title in Wigan on Saturday March 26.

Vassell, who works for a high street bank by day, will be in 12 round action at Robin Park Sports Centre against an opponent who will be named in the next ten days.

Trainer Bob Shannon has done a fantastic job nurturing Hatton Promotion ace Vassell and says: “He is always wanting to learn and getting better all the time.”

Although Shannon oversees all of Vassell’s training session, Ricky Hatton is often on hand at Hatton Health and Fitness offering advice.

Vassell, 26, said: “It is an awesome experience to have Ricky helping and giving me so much support.

“I will pay Ricky and Bobby for all their help by defending this title and going on to bigger and better things.

“It gives me so much confidence and the tip Ricky gives is really good. I think he has a career as a trainer. It spurs me on.”

Vassell has won all 16 professional contests and became Commonwealth champion when he outpointed Lee Purdy last April.

He last boxed in December, stopping Brazilian Jack Welson inside three rounds on Hatton Promotions successful Christmas dinner show.

Other fighters on the bill include Kenny Anderson, Matty Askin, Tom Doran, Rhys Roberts and Jez Wilson

TICKETS FOR THIS TOP QUALITY NIGHT OF ACTION GO ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

The action starts at 7pm and tickets price £30.00, £55.00 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside are available from Hatton Box Office 0161 775 7500, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 or Online at www.brandhatton.com