Gethin and Male get English title shots

Walsall's Martin Gethin will get the chance of a third reign as English lightweight champion after being paired to fight Tommy Coyle.

The British Boxing Board of Control have decreed that Gethin will box the undefeated central area champion for the vacant title on September 29.

A venue has yet to be picked for the fight but it will happen on a Steve Wood promoted bill, as Gethin looks to get back a belt he never lost.

The 28-year-old vacated his crown after picking up a back injury which would rule him out for 19 months and the title is again up in the air.

Derry Mathews slaughtered Midlands champion Amir Unsworth in one round to take the belt last year but has since won the British title.

Gethin's reigns proceeded that and he was champion in 2010, outpointing Greame Higginson, and in 2008, stopping Scott Lawton in nine rounds.

Meanwhile, Cradley's Chris Male has landed a third chance at the English featherweight title against Jon Fernandes on a show in October.

The punching postman has been lined up for a shot twice only for each fight to fall through with Joe Murray, who now has a British title eliminator.

The belt has been vacant for over six years and was last contested in January 2006, when Mathews beat Steve Chinnock in six rounds.

Now Male should finally get his opportunity at the Camden Centre in London on October 5 against fellow undefeated prospect Hernandes.

'The Male Man' saw his first shot against Murray last November postponed after the show was called off, then pulled out injured of in February.

Promoter Mickey Helliet has made the fight and it will take place on his bill.