Bobby Vanzie was today confirmed as "European champion in waiting".

The Bradford boxer has been officially nominated for the lightweight title bid. But he will have to wait a little longer to see which Italian he will fight for it.

Holder Sandro Zoff is likely to pull out of a defence to concentrate on stepping up to challenge for WBA honours which would leave Vanzie to battle with his compatriot Sandro Casamonica for the vacant European belt.

The fight is likely to take place in February and although Vanzie would love it to be in England, a venue won't be decided until the purse bids are in.

Vanzie said: "I've worked my way up to this position and this would end the next chapter in the Bobbie Vanzie story. That would just leave me to go for one of the world titles.

"I've always tried to go up the ladder in order and never gone the route of the intercontinental titles that don't mean much.

"Now I've got much chance I've been waiting for to show that I'm the best lightweight in Europe. At the moment I'm the uncrowned king, but that will change."

Vanzie's position as number one challenger was confirmed by the way he brushed aside Birmingham's Anthony Maynard at Barnsley last month, winning in a career-best 70 seconds.

He said: "That performance reinforced my claims for a European shot coupled with the fact that Maynard had beaten the IBO champion Michael Ayers."

Danny Thornton has switched opponents for next Tuesday's sell-out show at Elland Road. Middleweight Thornton was due to meet Newcastle's Steve Timms at the Kevin Spratt promotion.

But "Braveheart" is now finalising another bout as he warms up to fight for the vacant WBU intercontinental belt against Steve Bendall at Dagenham on December 8.