The goalposts move for Gethin

The former English champion was all set to compete for his vacant former title against Conisbrough's Stefy Bull at the Doncaster Dome on Friday night, only for his opponent to pull out last weekend.

His withdrawal with a leg injury saw the fight scrapped as Gethin was the 'away' fighter, leaving the fully fit Black Country boxer kicking his heels.

The likelihood of a replacement fight before the year is out is slim, although manager Errol Johnson is on the case, with an early 2010 return to the ring more probable.

Gethin said: "I have asked my manager to get me a fight before Christmas, but at this late stage I am not exactly holding out much hope, to be honest.

"I don't know what to do with myself now, I was all set to fight and only finished my sparring last week.

"I will be glad to see the back of this year."

The 26-year-old is now pinning his hopes on the title fight being resurrected and added to the Sky Sports 'Friday Night Fight' show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on January 15.

A new match could be made and added to the undercard of the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight title rematch between Stourbridge champion Rob Norton and David Dolan.

And that could be the light at the end of the tunnel for Gethin.

He said: "If that could happen I would be very happy with that, so hopefully that will be a fight that will be attractive to Sky and the promoters.

"That would be a lot better for me."