JOHN Costello is hoping that Jamie Cox’s switch to Matchroom Boxing will help move his fighter closer to a dream world title shot.

The Swindon southpaw returns to the ring on Saturday night at Bramall Lane in Sheffield when he faces Lewis Taylor for the WBA Continental super-middleweight strap on the undercard of Kell Brook’s IBF world welterweight title defence against Errol Spence live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Former WBO European super-middleweight champion Cox has not fought since his wide points success over Martin Fidel Rios back in October, and when he steps through the ropes this weekend, it will be his first outing for Eddie Hearn’s promotional stable since switching from Queensberry Promotions.

Despite Matchroom having a number of Cox’s domestic super-middleweight rivals among their ranks, trainer Costello says that it still hasn’t been easy to match the unbeaten 30-year-old.

“Eddie (Hearn) says that it has been a nightmare,” Costello told the Advertiser.

“But what he does have is the huge Sky Sports platform and that is a big lure for a lot of people. Even then, I know that it hasn’t been easy.”

Despite expecting the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist to stretch his perfect run to 22 wins, Costello has praised Derby’s Taylor for stepping up and taking the fight.

“Fair play to Lewis Taylor for taking this fight,” said Costello. “Not many people are willing to step into the ring with Jamie.

“Jamie just wants to fight. He wants the winner of (Fedor) Chudinov and George Groves (who meet for the WBA Super world super-middleweight title on the same bill).

“Jamie has also been mandated to face (British champion) Rocky Fielding.

“He has to fight Jamie before the end of September or he has to vacate.

“All we are focused on right now is May 27. Then we can start looking to the future – the aim is to be out again before the early part of July.”

Meanwhile, Matchroom Boxing have announced that there will be full body searches at Bramall Lane in the wake of Monday’s terror attack at the Manchester Arena and are calling for people to allow extra time to enter the stadium.

In a statement, the promoters said: “We have held meetings with Sheffield United Football Club, South Yorkshire Police Force and the British Boxing Board Control to discuss the security operations for Saturday’s Event.

“A stringent full body search will be administered on entrance and no bags will be admitted into the stadium. South Yorkshire Police will have an extensive presence at the venue. Please allow extra time to enter the stadium.”