Defeat won't end Maxi Hughes' title dream

The Rossington fighter lost the third of his trilogy with Martin J Ward, who put his British super featherweight title on the line in Manchester last weekend.

Hughes impressed against his talented opponent but slipped out of contention in the later rounds as he faded.

The judges scored the fight 116-112, 118-111 and 116-113, condemning the 27-year-old to a third career defeat and second to Ward.

A South Yorkshire showdown with Barnsley’s reigning English super featherweight champion Andy Townend has long been mooted for Hughes.

Mexborough-trained Townend himself was beaten by Ward last September as he challenged for the British title.

Meanwhile, Conisbrough heavyweight David Allen will compete in a six round fight on April 22 in Liverpool on the undercard of Martin Murray’s clash with Gabriel Rosado.

Victory and a comfortable night is likely to set up a title fight with Ian Lewison at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on May 27, the night when Kell Brook will defend his IBF welterweight title against Errol Spence Jnr.

The ‘White Rhino’ has already engaged in a social media battle with Lewison and he hopes to use the planned showdown as a springboard to a British title fight later in the year.

Allen told Sky Sports: “I’m touring the country, bringing excitement in all different facets of boxing.

“I’m knocking out European tradesman and the people are loving it.

“I want to keep that going in Liverpool with another big KO, then I will call out some big names for Sheffield in proper ‘White Rhino’ fashion.”

Woodlands featherweight Jason Cunningham is out to become a two weight champion when he faces Ben Jones for the vacant Commonwealth title on April 9 in London.

Cunningham is a former English and Commonwealth champion at bantamweight and stepped up to featherweight in his last bout.