Crawley's Michael Alldis has been handed the chance to win the Lonsdale belt outright in his home town.

Promoters Matchroom have confirmed Alldis will defend his British super-bantamweight crown at Crawley Leisure Centre on Tuesday January 23.

This will be a third defence of the title for Alldis who will keep the belt if he can turn in a winning performance.

A delighted Alldis, 32, said: "I have been waiting for this for a few years.

"I have been promised a fight in my home town so many times I just took it with a pinch of salt when it was first discussed.

"It means another Christmas out of the window for me but keeping the Lonsdale belt will be my Christmas present."

Alldis won the British title 13 months ago when he beat Patrick Mullings on points at York Hall, Bethnal Green. Since then, he has made successful defences against Shaun Anderson and Drew Docherty.

An opponent for the Crawley show will be decided by the British Boxing Board tomorrow and three names have been put forward.

The most likely opponent is Belfast fighter Tommy Waite, who stepped down a division to win the British bantamweight title, only to lose it on points to Nicky Booth in Everton on October 9. Waite has now decided to step back up.

Also in the frame is Nottingham's Kevin Gerowski and inexperienced Bristol fighter Frankie De Milo.

Alldis added: "There is a bit of pressure on me in front of my own fans but I thrive on this sort of pressure."