America's prime boxing 'Mr Fixit' Don King has homed in on the battle of Yorkshire involving York's Henry Wharton.

King has told British promoter Frank Maloney that he wants the winner of Wharton's triple-crown challenge to Leeds' foe Crawford Ashley for a world title fight.

And that is the driving incentive for Wharton to succeed on the Tyke fight night of February 6 at Halifax in front of Yorkshire's sporting royalty.

Wharton is bidding to wrest away from Ashley his light-heavyweight European, Commonwealth and British titles. With the conqueror now guaranteed a crack at world dominance the stakes are sky-high.

Explained Wharton's trainer Gary Atkin, who is co-promoting next month's gloves-on duel in Halifax: "Frank Maloney said King has been on from America to say he wants to meet both Henry and Crawford in the next week or so because he wants the winner for a world title shot."

It is understood King, a long-time admirer of Wharton's 100 per cent style, may have an 'in' with current World Boxing Association light-heavyweight champion Reggie Johnson. And if rumours are true that reigning World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation champion Roy Jones junior is contemplating quitting the division then King could be a major player in any championships that become vacant.

Both Wharton and Ashley know this will be their last route to a world title shot after falling at the final hurdle five times between them - the York ring-king three times as a super-middleweight, his Leeds rival twice at the heavier discipline.

Interest in the battle of Yorkshire is already proving massive even though tickets for the clash at the North Bridge Leisure Centre only went on sale today. That has been boosted by the likelihood of some of Yorkshire's top sports personalities attending the Tyke attack.

Ex-middleweight star Herol 'Bomber' Graham will be at the fight and invitations have gone out to Yorkshire and England bowling ace Darren Gough, plus Leeds United and England midfield star David Batty. Also lined up as part of the VIP star-chamber are former American ring master Ernie Shavers and ex-world champion Duke McKenzie.

Already the majority of the top-priced £100 ringside seat tickets have been sold.

The rest of the tickets are priced at £75, £50 and £30 at the venue which boasts a capacity close to 2,000.

Tickets can be obtained from Mrs Janet Wharton tel York 658608 or from Atkin tel 0113 2627817.

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