Adam Etches is hoping for a place on the biggest fight card in Britain this year after making it a hat-trick of professional wins.
The exciting Sheffield teenager knocked out his first two opponents, but was taken the four rounds distance by Aleksei Tsatiasivili on Hatton Promotions card at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.
Etches, 19, hopes his latest winning performance will earn a slot on the undercard when Amir Khan defends his WBA light-welterweight title against Paul McCloskey at Manchester’s MEN Arena on April 16.
Around 300 fans made the trip on Saturday and Etches said: “There is talk of me getting a four rounder on that bill, which would be something special so early in my boxing career.
“If I get the okay then I will sell as many tickets as I can and bring a huge following over from Sheffield.”
Despite being extended, Etches won every round against the plucky Estonian who was on the receiving end of some sledgehammer blows before losing 40-36.
Etches revealed that he has been nursing a hand injury for two weeks and believes it prevented him from making it another early night.
Etches who was given good advice by trainer Andy Marlow during the bout added: “I damaged my hand a couple of weeks ago.
“It didn’t trouble me during the fight, but I think it was playing on my mind because I was wary of letting my shots go on occasions. But it is all part of the learning curve and I will have a few days off before I am punishing Andy on the pads again.”