Curtis Woodhouse has been handed a potential path to world glory after being matched with Paul McCloskey.
Former professional footballer Woodhouse (16-3 11KOs), who lost a disputed decision against Frankie Gavin for the WBO inter-continental title in 2011, had been ordered to fight Dale Miles in a British title eliminator.
However, Miles suffered an injury in last weekend's Prizefighter series, and 31-year-old Woodhouse is now looking to take on WBA ranked McCloskey, 32, in April - almost exactly a year after the Ulsterman (23-1 12KOs) was beaten by Amir Khan in a failed world title attempt.
"I'm delighted to reveal that Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have made a great offer for Curtis to fight WBA No 6 ranked Paul McCloskey in Belfast in April - and we are ready for the challenge," said Woodhouse's promoter Dave Coldwell.
"It's an amazing opportunity for Curtis to take on a world ranked opponent, with the reality being that he was only really expecting to be able to test himself at the top of the domestic ladder.
"However, this would give Curtis the chance to get his name out there on the world scene and in beating Paul you never know what could happen ... Woodhouse could be seen in a world title challenge!
"The offer ticks all the right boxes as far as myself and Curtis are concerned. It's a career-high pay day in a high-profile televised fight - the risk versus reward makes sense ... we want the fight!
"Curtis is promotionally tied to a contract with Frank Warren Promotions so we are just waiting on permission from them to box on Eddie's show.
"But I'm sure they won't deny a man who has fought for respect from the boxing community for so long what would be the opportunity of a lifetime."
