Chris ASston says the incentive of winning a first career title has put a HUGE spring in the step of Huddersfield boxer Ismail Anwar as he completes preparations for Sunday’s British Masters Bronze lightweight clash with Adam Kettleborough in Newark.

While Anwar’s stablemate Alistair Warren had to shelve plans for a Central area super-middleweight title showdown with Dean Halsall - the Highburton fighter will now face Sheffield’s Sam Sheedy in a six-rounder in the steel city on November 30 - it’s all systems go for Anwar.

The tricky 22-year-old is giving away both home advantage and years to Kettleborough, 27, who is trained and managed by Carl Greaves, but seasoned Huddersfield trainer Aston believes his man is ready for the eight-round challenge.

It’s a further than either have gone before, but a lengthy amateur stint (25 fights for the University of Huddersfield club) and five pro bouts, three of which have brought victories, should stand the slick Anwar in good stead.

Kettleborough fought twice as an amateur, then had a spell on the white-collar boxing scene before being signed up by former British super-featherweight title challenger Greaves after a trial spell in his Newark gym.

With a nimble, come-forward style, he has won five out if six fights, although he was stopped by Michael Mooney in April.

A rematch for the Masters bronze belt was scheduled, but an injury to the Worcester fighter gave Anwar, who best Midlander Kristian Laight on his pro debut in April 2012, his big chance.

“The idea behind the bronze and silver Masters belts is to provide a stepping stone to higher title levels, and Ismail knows he has a big opportunity to show his credentials,” explained Aston.

“Adam Kettleborough is a capable boxer, but so is Ismail, and this is proper 50:50 fight, one we’ve prepared well for and one we’re really looking forward to.”

Huddersfield Sports Centre stages the Gladiators Boxing Academy amateur show on Saturday.