Norwich boxer Sam Sexton has seen one door close in his face – and another one open.

Sexton's hopes of a high-profile clash against heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua have been rebuffed – but the decision by the new kid on the block to step up to the world stage could provide ample compensation for Sexton.

Joshua (inset) has an April 9 date with IBF champion Charles Martin and will now relinquish his British belt – and that means Sexton can step straight back into the reckoning for the country's top domestic honour.

'I think what will probably happen now is the British Boxing Board of Control will decide they want to fight some eliminators for the British title,' said Sexton. 'Ideally I would like to jump straight in there and fight for the British title – I don't think there is anyone else in the country who is good enough or who has had the experience I have to fight for it.

'I think it should be me then whoever is next in line. It is more likely to be an eliminator, but then again, who is there to fight for the eliminator?'

Sexton held the Commonwealth title after beating Martin Rogan in Belfast in 2009, and in 24 fights, has only been beaten by David Price and Dereck Chisora. A back problem has curtailed his activity, but two 'comeback' victories last year will be supplemented by another outing at the next Norwich fight night, on March 4, with Sexton quickly moving closer to his old self.

'I am definitely more optimistic now,' he said.

'When Tyson Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko it really opened up the division. I did honestly think the Joshua fight would come off – he said he wanted to win the British belt outright and I thought 'here's my chance – who else is he going to fight in the country?'

'I am disappointed because I would love to have fought him. He is the man to beat, and if you beat the man, then you are the man.

'But I am feeling great now – I feel stronger than I ever have and my mind is more on it than it has been for a lot of years.'