SOUTHAMPTON boxer Matthew Barney has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime - a crack at the British title.

Manager Eugene Maloney today told the Daily Echo he had received confirmation from the British Boxing Board of Control that Barney had been made mandatory contender for the vacant super-middleweight crown.

To add extra spice to the encounter, the fight is likely to be held in Southampton - and it will be against Dean Francis, the knockout specialist from Basingstoke.

Francis, a former British and European champion, was once considered a future world champion, but is now on the comeback trail after being jailed for two years for attacking two men in a Basingstoke takeaway.

At 28, Francis is the same age as Barney, who currently holds the southern area and IBO intercontinental titles.

Maloney, brother of Lennox Lewis' former manager Frank, explained that this is a huge step-up.

He said: "It is guaranteed that Matthew has got this opportunity and it is an absolutely massive fight.

"The British title has so much history and tradition and means far more within the business and to the public than all these paper titles.

"We are confident Matthew can win this fight, then he will make a series of quick defences and go for the Lonsdale belt.

"We will be putting in a purse bid for the fight this week and, if successful, we will seriously consider taking the bout to the people of Southampton."

Barney is already in training for the fight at the Maloney Fight Factory and is supremely confident of realising a lifelong dream to be crowned British champion.

"It's a coincidence that two Hampshire fighters have been put together for the title, but it should be great for fight fans in the county," said Barney.

"I've never spoken to Dean or sparred with him, but he is a come forward fighter and that should be perfect for my style of boxing.

"I hope they can put it on in Southampton and I can't wait for the fight."

Barney has been in excellent form in recent months with three successive wins, all against top class opposition.

But Francis unquestionably represents his biggest test to date.

Before the enforced exile from boxing, the Basingstoke man boasted a record of 22 wins (18 by knockout) including a stoppage of David Starie, the man who has vacated the British title in his search for the WBC world crown.

Francis, who has been dating Casualty star Jan Anderson, said on his return to boxing earlier in the year: "I feel I'm a better boxer. I'm mentally and physically a better person. I've put my values in check and I feel sorry for my opponents."