HOVE boxing prospect Paul Halpin has signed a three-year contract with promoter Frank Warren.

The unbeaten featherweight has his first fight for Warren at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on November 15.

And he will now be trained in London by Jim McDonnell, the former European featherweight champion.

"It's a very good deal," said Halpin. "I am going to be fighting every six weeks and I've really hit it off already with Jim."

The deal ends months of confusion over Halpin's future.

He quit the Peacock gym in East London to join forces with Frank Maloney and Hove-based trainer Ronnie Davies.

Peacock refused to release Halpin from his contract, but Warren has bought it out.

Halpin has also been bugged by injury problems.

A blood disorder threatened his career and he recently returned from a two-week break in Spain to recover from a damaged left shoulder.

If all goes to plan Halpin will fight again under Warren at the London Arena on December 11, then for an inter-continental title next February.

McDonnell said: "I've only seen him in small doses in the gym, but what I have seen I have been very impressed with.

"He is very strong and has a lot of natural ability, so I am quite excited about the relationship."

WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall will have a slight weight advantage when he defends his title against the German Markus Beyer in his home town of Telford tonight.

Woodhall tipped the scales at 11st 13 3/4lbs at the weigh-in with Beyer, who has won all his 16 fights, a pound lighter.

Woodhall said: "It is not going to be an easy fight but I have prepared well and my preparations have been spot on.

"It's easy to see how the fight is going to go as Beyer is shorter than me and he will be going for my body."

Woodhall, described by Warren as "the perfect professional", is determined to cash in on his dedication and insists he is in tip-top shape for a bout which could lead to an eventual unification fight with Cardiff's WBO king Joe Calzaghe if he wins.

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