CHRIS LAKEY Norwich fight fans could miss the opportunity to see a rare title fight - because of the age-old problem of a lack of suitable venue.

CHRIS LAKEY

Norwich fight fans could miss the opportunity to see a rare title fight - because of the age-old problem of a lack of suitable venue.

Jon Thaxton is keen to defend his British lightweight crown in front of his own fans but, with Norwich Sport Village - where he has fought most of his 'home' fights - now in private ownership, a major venue has been lost.

Local promoter Neil Featherby has been involved in talks with the Norfolk Showground, although that is thought to be out of reach financially, while another venue, he says, is missing "a fantastic" opportunity to host the fight.

"We could have done something on January 20 on the undercard of the Ricky Hatton fight in America," said Featherby. "A major promoter contacted me about putting on a show as the undercard, to be shown live on Sky TV.

"Unfortunately, the people I contacted, who have what I believe is a good venue, don't seem to be on the same wavelength.

"It would be Jon's first defence and their venue would have had huge publicity, but I just can't seem to get through to them.

"It would be fantastic for the people of Norwich to come and see Jon, but now it looks like we might have to go outside of Norwich.

"He won it outside of Norwich and he might have to defend it outside of Norwich, which is a huge shame for him and his fans.

"There are bigger promoters who have TV deals who would be happy to link up and oblige and it is almost heart-breaking that Jon has got to this stage of his career, won a title he has wanted for so long and now we can't bring it to Norwich."