LAWRENCE Bennett is determined to put himself in a mandatory position to fight for the a British title after missing out on a clash with champion Ovill McKenzie.

The Swindon cruiserweight was hoping that he would be next in line to face the current British and Commonwealth champion after winning an eliminator against Chris Keane back in June.

However, top promoter Frank Warren announced yesterday that McKenzie will take on one of his latest signings, English champion Matty Askin at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on the undercard of Paul Butler’s IBF super-flyweight world title contest with Zolani Tete on October 25.

The McKenzie-Askin clash means that the 31-year-old Bad Boy will now have to wait for his opportunity to fight for the coveted Lonsdale strap.

On hearing news, the Southern Area champion told the Advertiser: “It is disappointing, but it is what it is.

“I’m going to keep my head down, keep fighting top guys and get myself in the position where they have to fight me – the aim now is get into that mandatory position.

“They can’t duck me forever, they’ll have to give me my shot.”

Despite the news that his British title bid is put on ice, Bennett says that he won’t be making an appearance in Liverpool to challenge the winner.

“That is not my style,” he said. “When I started out I talked a lot, but first and foremost I have been in the gym and working hard.

“I’ve been to Sweden and won, I’ve been to London and won the Southern Area title - I have only had seven fights.

“My chance will come if I keep doing what I’m doing - they won’t be able to look past me forever.”

Although, competing in a final eliminator this autumn is likely to boost Bennett’s chance of a British title shot, the Keith Mayo-managed fighter is now looking at defending the Southern Area strap that he won in March.

“It is looking that way isn’t it?” he said. “I will now sit down with my coach and we can start to talk about what the next plan is.

“I have been ticking over in the gym, had a week off, but now it is back to the hard work.”