Unbeaten European champion John Murray thought British rival Kevin Mitchell had "bottled" a clash with him.
The two are set to go toe-to-toe in London on Saturday, July 9 with Mancunian Murray (31-0 18KOs) looking to protect the longest unbeaten run in British boxing and he sees Mitchell as the last hurdle in his quest to challenge for a world title.
Meanwhile, Essex man Mitchell (31-1 23KOs) is looking to get back on track after he was beaten for the first time last time out by Australian Michael Katsidis, who stopped him in three rounds almost 12 months ago.
The two had been due to meet on April 2, but it was cancelled after what Mitchell referred to as "politics", but now all differences have been resolved and the fight is finally set to go ahead.
"I thought Mitchell had bottled it once and for all when he turned down the opportunity to fight me earlier this year," said Murray.
"But I am glad we finally have a date as this fight has been a long time coming. Apart from a world title, this is the only meaningful challenge left for me in the UK."
Dagenham's Mitchell, himself a former British and Commonwealth Champion, claims he will be Murray's biggest test.
"Murray's done well but he hasn't faced me yet and, if he had, we wouldn't keep hearing about his unbeaten record," he said.
"I was 31-0 too with more stoppages than him until I lost out in my 32nd fight which he will too.
"Personally, I am over the moon that the fight is taking place in London so I can show my legions of fans that last year was a one off an Kevin Mitchell is back."