Joe Pigford is hoping he will still get the chance to fight for the WBO European super welterweight title after a frustrating weekend watching from the sidelines.

The Southampton boxer was due to have the biggest fight of his pro career for the vacant strap at the Copperbox Arena.

However, after a rash of opponents fell through, he was left kicking his heels and keeping his fingers crossed that he will still get a crack at the title in the not too distant future.

Pigford’s trainer, Wayne Batten, explained: “Joe’s original opponent Kieran Smith had to pull out and then there were a couple of others that were lined up to fight but fell through.

“That’s boxing. It is frustrating but there is not much you can do.

“We are having a meeting to work out the next step later this week and hopefully Joe will still get the chance to fight for the title before the end of the year.”