CHRIS ASTON is rubbing his hands after Andy Morris replaced Ricky Burns as Gary Sykes’ opponent in Friday’s British super-featherweight title showdown at Huddersfield Sports Centre.

The Linthwaite-based trainer, who is Dewsbury boxer Sykes’ manager, reckons the clash with Manchester’s Morris will be a classic.

Going under the nickname the Wythenshawe Warrior, 26-year-old Morris has 18 wins from 20 bouts and is a former British featherweight champion.

Sykes, also 26, has a 100% record after 14 bouts, and is making his first title challenge, and Aston said: “They are tailor-made for each other.

“I genuinely believe this has all the ingredients to be one of the fights of the year, because looking at their styles, it will be a real tear-up.

“Andy Morris used to spar with (Huddersfield’s) Dale Robinson, so I know him of old, and he’s a more than useful fighter.

“But I’m backing Gary’s hunger and superb fitness to give him the edge, although in my view, it will be very close.

“You’ve got two former ABA champions and England internationals who have both made a successful transition to the pro ranks going head to head, and that makes for a top contest.

“With Gary throwing an average of 100 punches a round and Andy more like 80, I tip Gary to wear him down in the latter stages.”

Scotsman Burns, who is the reigning Commonwealth champion, withdrew from fighting for the vacant British title in order to mount a challenge for Puerto Rican Roman Martinez’s WBO belt.

Huddersfield duo Tyrone Nurse, who takes on Sheffield’s Adam Kelly, and Burt Warren, who boxes Nottingham’s Matt Scriven, are also on Friday’s Sky Sports bill.

So too is popular Manchester heavyweight Tyson Fury, the 6ft 7in reigning English champion.

For ticket details, ring Aston on 07917 881114, Nurse on 07792 543352 or Warren on 07886 619158.