KEVIN SATCHELL is on course to become Britain’s first world flyweight champion for 20 years.

Scot Pat Clinton was our last champion briefly holding the WBO in 1992 and 1993, but UK boxing has been starved of success in the 112lb division ever since.

Satchell (9-0) emerged last May when he beat fellow scouser Paul Edwards to claim the Commonwealth crown and four months ago took the British title from Chris Edwards.

The 24-year-old makes the first defence of his British championship against Belfast’s Luke Wilton on Frank Maloney’s big bill at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday February 23.

Manager Steve Wood and promoter Maloney believe that by the end of this year Satchell could be challenging for a version of the world title.

Maloney explained: “Kevin is Britain’s most exciting flyweight and at the end of the year he will be closing in on a world title.

“The flyweight champions are tougher than most, but it can be easier to manoeuvre them into world title positions.”

Next week’s bill is topped by Liverpool superstar David Price (15-0) who boxes American double world title challenger Tony Thompson (36-3).

Satchell said: “It is going to be a great night. I always like going on Pricey’s undercards because it is full of scousers supporting me.

“I am very confident. Wilton has a good record and I am not underestimating him, but I will be sharper and fitter on the night.”

Another British title defence on the bill sees Darren Hamilton (12-2) put his light-welterweight crown on the line against another Liverpool fighter, Steve Williams (13-1).

Adil Anwar (18-1) who hopes to challenge the winner also boxes Welsh hopeful Lance Sheehan (5-1) over ten rounds.

Others boxers on the bill includes David Burke (26-2), Paul Edwards (9-2), Sean Dodd (4-0), Louis Cuddy (6-0), Neil Perkins (2-0), Steven Lewis (2-0), Andy Colquhoun (5-0) and Peter Gallagher (1-0).

Tickets can be purchased £230 (VIP including meal and inner ringside seat), £95 (Ringside), £70 and £40 at www.echoarena.com www.frankmaloney.com or 0844 8000 400.

The show will be broadcast live by the home of boxing BoxNation (Sky 437/Virgin 546). Join now at www.boxnation.com . WealthTV will be broadcasting the card live in the United States.