A Yorkshire battle royale is being lined up for York's world-title hunter Henry Wharton.

Currently sidelined by a knuckle injury for the next three months Wharton's light-heavyweight future has gone on hold.

But during his enforced absence manoeuvres have been made to bring to fruition an enticing encounter between Wharton and Leeds-based British and Commonwealth champion Crawford Ashley.

Exploratory talks have even hinted at an open-air clash between the two in 1999 with Leeds United's Elland Road stadium, or the city's Headingley complex that more frequently hosts Yorkshire Cricket Club and Leeds Rugby League Club, possible arenas.

The prospect of such a showdown would have promoters and boxers enjoying massive support throughout Yorkshire.

The chances of the contest taking place would depend on an Ashley ascent to the world crown and Wharton's healthy progress in the light-heavyweight division at which he has sampled just one outing since moving up from super-middleweight.

Wharton, who three months ago scored a convincing win over Franklin Edmondson on his light-heavyweight debut in America, is expected to be back in the ring on the undercard of the next defence by World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

That will be most likely in England and in September when Lewis meets Croatian heavyweight challenger Zeljko Mavrovic.

Wharton still feels he needs another two or three bouts at the new weight to press his claims for a world title shot in the division.

Coincidentally, just a week before the York fighter's expected comeback, Ashley, who defended his British and Commonwealth crowns with a solid conquest over Tony Booth at Hull last week, is due to fight at Leeds Town Hall in a bid to regain the European light-heavyweight crown he lost last year to Dane Ole Clementsen.

Ashley's recent career has been dogged by a reluctance of domestic fighters to take him on, but the Wharton camp would relish a duel especially if the world title belt was at stake.

Wharton's trainer Gary Atkin: said: "It would be a hell of a fight and would certainly appeal to Yorkshire fans.

"Crawford Ashley is a very cagey fighter, who should not be under-estimated, but I would fancy Henry to win."

Wharton has been ordered to completely rest the left hand he damaged during his Atlantic City battle with Edmondson.

Atkin explained the affected area was the tendon, which has split underneath a knuckle. "Henry has been told not to punch with it at all. The hand needs rest until the strength of it can be properly built up."

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