By Matt Bevan

British super-lightweight champion Tyrone Nurse once again saw a mandatory challenger, picked by the British Boxing Board of Control, pull out of a fight with him after Ohara Davies withdrew in favour of a clash with Derry Mathews on the March 4.

It’s another bump in the road for the Huddersfield man who is eager to win the title outright and with the polarising Davies withdrawing, it marks the second time in a row it has happened to him after Jack Catterall also decided on a different direction.

But Nurse has plenty to cheer about, having just signed a deal with promoter Frank Warren and with the backing of BT, who have just signed a deal with Warren, he adds that he is excited for what 2017 will bring for him.

“It’s gutting that Davies has dropped out to be honest, but that’s boxing for you, isn't it? I want to win the belt outright and it’s the second time in a row after Catterall did it last year, so I’m getting a bit sick of waiting around to do it actually and you do think ‘Is it worth waiting around?’ sometimes.

“I’m coming into my prime now at 27 and if a bigger opportunity comes around then it will be difficult to say no. I can always come back around to it, as I only need one more win. But the way boxing is growing I can’t really hang on and I have to take my chances.

“Signing with Frank, who has been in the sport for a long time and knows it all inside out and then with the addition of BT, it’s a whole different ball game for the sport in general. I got some great exposure with my last fights, as most were on Sky, but it’ll be great to be the big attraction.”

Nurse –– who had his last five outings screened by the Matchroom Boxing-exclusive broadcaster –– says the deal with Warren is perfect for him at this stage of his career and although he doesn't have a date at the time of writing, he is certain that the experienced promoter will provide him with plenty of opportunities to prove his worth.

He also claims he is still open to the fight with Catterall, which he says should be easy to make now they are both with the same promoter, but then adds it doesn't matter who it is, he is will take on all comers.

He does admit that he needs big fights to get him going, as it gives him the extra incentive to remain active and go on to fulfil his undoubted potential. Nurse knows with all the extra cards that will go on BT that it could all work well in his favour.

“Frank’s expectations matched up to ours and all the factors fell into place nicely. He talks the way we like and knows what we need, so it all came together at the right time for us, especially with BT jumping on board too, as there’s even more shows to fill. There’s nothing finalised yet, but I should know [very soon] when I’m out next.

“I’m open to fight anyone at any time, as I’m a boxer. Let’s be honest the reason fights don't happen is down to politics usually, but even then you don't hear me shouting my mouth off anywhere. I prefer to my business in the ring where it matters.”

“I do like the Catterall fight, though,” Nurse (34-2-1, 7 KOs) continues. “It will be an intriguing one for the boxing purists and now I’m with Warren, let’s get it done. It’s those fights that give me the extra incentive and give me that fire to train even harder than I already do.

“With respect to Tommy Coyle and Willie Limond, it was difficult at times to get going for them, but now with the division starting to build as it is, with the likes of Catterall, Davies and Robbie Davies Jnr it’s going to be an exciting year in 2017.”