Boxing: McCullough set for world title shot

Ulsterman Wayne McCullough tonight revealed that a deal has been agreed for him to challenge WBC super-bantamweight champion Willie Jorrin in Dublin.

‘‘The fight will go ahead in Dublin in late August or early September,’’ said McCullough, who has been working for television at the World Amateur Boxing championships in Belfast.

The ‘Pocket Rocket’ - a former bantamweight champion - has twice failed to lift the super-bantam title, losing to Daniel Zaragoza in 1997 and two years later to Mexican Erik Morales.

In between, the Las Vegas-based fighter lost on points to former WBO featherweight champion Naseem Hamed.

McCullough’s career was put on hold last year when he failed a routine MRI scan and was refused permission to box in Belfast by the British Boxing Board of Control, who still refuse to issue him a licence to fight.

‘‘I have applied to the Board for a licence and spoken to Board chief Simon Block. They will have a meeting to discuss my application,’’ said 1992 Olympic silver medallist McCullough.

‘‘As far as I am concerned I’m fit to box. I have been passed by nine doctors, including one of the British Board doctors.’’

After receiving the news last year, McCullough returned to Vegas where he went through extensive tests and received the all-clear from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.