JOE Hughes says he is delighted to get the backing of a big-time promoter again following a meeting with Frank Warren this week.

The former English super-lightweight champion met with the Hall of Fame promoter on Tuesday to discuss what plans were in place for his future.

Having made his debut on the promotional banner of Kellie Maloney, Hughes made four more appearances for the former manager of ex-heavyweight king Lennox Lewis.

However, following his points defeat to Joe Elfidh in Sheffield in March 2012, the Malmesbury boxer had to do everything the hard way, fighting on small hall shows without the backing of a big promoter or on the TV shows as the away fighter.

But following his meeting this week, Hughes says that he is looking forward to the future.

“It is great to be with a big promoter, it is a nice reward for all the hard work you put in,” Hughes told the Gazette and Herald.

“I was under contract with them from the last fight (a split decision draw against Tyrone Nurse for the British title in Leicester) and I have met up with Frank Warren to see what their plans are for me.

“It is nice that I have got their backing and they are behind me moving forward.”

Since that draw with Nurse in April, Hughes had hoped to be made mandatory for an immediate rematch.

However, Nurse is due to defend his Lonsdale belt against Jack Catterall, who defeated Hughes in May 2016, later this year.

With both men also promoted by Warren's Queensberry Promotions, Hughes’ route back to the British title should be slightly easier.

However, he must first wait to see if Robbie Davies Jr, who is fighting on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s IBO super-middleweight title defence against Arthur Abraham this Saturday, remains in contention for a final eliminator with Hughes after purse bids were postponed until next month.

“At the moment I’m waiting to see what is happening with Robbie Davies Jr because the purse bids have been postponed again,” the 26-year-old said.

“If that doesn’t happen then hopefully I can get the winner of Tyrone Nurse-Jack Catterall.

“It is frustrating to have to wait, but at least I have got the backing of a big promoter.”