MATTHEW BARNEY has finally been promised a shot at the European light-heavyweight title.

The Southampton boxer was left reeling last month after German title holder Thomas Ulrich pulled out of their fight for the FOURTH time.

Barney had also agreed separate dates to box Ulrich in October, November and December last year.

But now a new date will be found in March.

"I've just got to keep my fingers crossed. It's been a bit of a nuisance, but it is still the best fight for me," said Barney.

A former WBU world champion and British super-middleweight title holder, Barney has been hugely frustrated by so many fights falling through in recent months. He has been in professional action just once since October 2003 when he took the WBU title from Portsmouth's Tony Oakey.

Barney's European title challenge is almost certain to take place in Germany and represents the toughest test of his career. Ulrich has lost once in 28 fights - back in 2001 to American world champion Glencoffe Johnson.