SOUTHAMPTON'S new British super-middleweight champion Matthew Barney was formally congratulated on his title yesterday by Southampton mayor Cllr Brian Parnell, right, at a civic reception.

The former Fair Oak schoolboy defeated Dean Francis to become the proud holder of a Lonsdale belt and is now setting his sights on world glory.

Barney's management team at the Maloney Fight Factory have sent tapes of their fighter to Sven Ottke, who is the holder of both the WBA and IBF titles.

Ottke has never fought outside Germany in 30 consecutive wins and is certain to insist the fight takes place in front of his home fans.

The 35-year-old, who is known as 'The Phantom', has beaten the likes of American Charles Brewer, but has only knocked out six of his opponents.