Donovan Smillie is closing in on a world title.

The popular Bradford fighter has been approved for a crack at WBF super-middleweight champion Damon Hague later in the year.

It is just reward for the 28-year-old who aims to make it ten wins on the bounce when he boxes again at the Town & Country club a week on Sunday.

Smillie will be chief support when he takes on Sunderland's Paul Lomax. If all goes to plan, it will be his last warm-up before facing Hague in September.

That could well take place in Gran Canaria, where the Ingle camp frequently go for warm-weather training, although Bradford and Hague's home city Derby will also be considered.

Smillie, who last year won the British Masters super-middleweight crown, has waited patiently for his opportunity at a bigger title shot. Now the chance is on the horizon, he intends to grab it with both hands.

Manager John Ingle said: "I spoke to the WBF president at the Audley Harrison show the other week and then sent him Donovan's record. He got back in touch and said there shouldn't be a problem.

"No disrespect to Damon but he is no world-beater and it's well within Donovan's capabilities to win that fight. I know it's for a world title but it will be an excellent domestic clash.

"Donovan's done a lot of sparring with Ryan Rhodes, Johnny Nelson and Junior Witter over three-minute rounds so that won't be a problem."

Smillie smashed Pat Cito inside three rounds at Bradford in April and is ready to step up for Hague.

Based in Manchester at Bob Shannon's gym, Smillie's training has been boosted by stablemate Eugenio Monteiro's recent shock WBU stoppage of holder Anthony Farnell.

He said: "That has really got the gym buzzing. All the boys were really pleased for Monty and that has given me an extra lift for beating Hague.

"First I've got to win this one in Bradford and I want to show my best form. Earnie Shavers is hoping to be down for it again and there was even talk of him bringing Larry Holmes along, which would be pretty special.

"Training has been going great and I'm ready to go out there and deliver."

Smillie will be gunning for another stoppage against Lomax, who lost on points to Rob Burton last time out in February.

Topping the Bradford bill is crowd-pleaser Ali Nuumbembe, a regular performer at the Manningham Lane venue, who faces Gary Reid for the vacant British Masters light-welter belt.

Tickets are available from C2SU clothing store or the Plantation Restaurant or by phone on 07977-430072 and 07793-628340.