RYAN Martin has been handed the chance to put himself back in contention for the WBC Youth world welterweight title in his next fight.

The 23-year-old lost a close decision to Michael McKinson at the Oasis Leisure Centre last month for the vacant green and gold belt.

However, the governing body have called on Martin to fight in an eliminator this summer to put him in contention to box for the Youth title again in the autumn.

The former Walcot and England amateur will once again headline Trifecta’s next show, ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ at the Play Football Arena on June 24.

“The WBC have sent out an email stating that Michael (McKinson) has to make a defence within 90 days,” explained Martin’s trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick. “ “That would take Michael up to July 8 and Ryan has got to have a fight in that same time period.

“If Ryan comes through his, he then faces the winner of Michael’s defence.

“I think that is a big deal, to come off a loss and the governing body – especially the WBC - make an order for a rematch because they thought it was a close fight.

“They didn’t agree with the card that was wide (ringside judge Shaun Messer scored the fight 98-93), they think it was a close fight.

“We thought it was a close fight, but the right man did get the decision.

“This next fight is massive for Ryan because, he wants these fights, he wants to be challenged.”

With Martin headlining, stablemate Sam Smith will be chief support as he looks to close in on a Southern Area light-heavyweight title shot.

The 24-year-old, who is now based in Royal Wootton Bassett, made the step up to eight round his last fight and will look to stretch his unbeaten record to five.

“Sniper will be the chief support. He is now qualified to fight for the Southern Area title (which) has played a massive part in his family,” the Ferndale Road-based trainer added.

“He wants that title because it means a lot to him.

“Now he is qualified to fight for and he would like to take on the winner of Chris Hobbs and Anthony Yarde, which is a big ask for a man who has only had four fights.”

Tickets for the show, which will also see David Bailey, Harry Webb, Mitch Preedy and Brandon Thomson compete, are now on sale and are priced £60 ringside and £35. Visit trifectaboxing.com, or call 01793 337725.