CWMBRAN’S Jamie Arthur has finally been granted the only gift he craves this Christmas, a crack at a British title.

The former Commonwealth Games gold medallist has endured an up and down year, having made a successful comeback to the sport in 2008 after a three-year hiatus.

He’s unbeaten in six fights since returning to the ring, including his superb victory last time out against Akaash Bhatia at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, a bout that had originally been a British title eliminator and which has been nominated for British fight of the year.

However, weeks of uncertainty have followed with John Simpson given the shot at champion Martin Lindsay and Arthur also missing out on Commonwealth and European title shots despite putting himself forward at short notice.

However, fortunately for the likeable featherweight, the tide has now turned.

Simpson is unavailable for the British shot and Arthur (pictured) was rubber-stumped as the number one contender by the British Board of Control yesterday.

The bout will now go to purse bids and no date or venue has been set, though the fight must take place before the end of January. A delighted Arthur is determined to take full advantage of his big chance.

He said: "This is exactly why I came back to boxing, for the big fights and after weeks of uncertainty and being overlooked, I am absolutely delighted to have been given this chance.

"The purse bids are in on November 11 and with a bit of luck, this one might even be staged in Wales.

“it would be amazing for me to have home advantage but to be honest I would go anywhere to fight for a British title.

"This has been such a long-time coming and I did worry that I had missed the boat but now my chance has arrived and I am determined to take it."

Undefeated champion Lindsay, who knocked out the highly rated Derry Matthews to win the title, is a native of Belfast so that is another possible destination for the bout.