BOXING: Belfast welterweight Neil Sinclair has decided to put his world title ambitions on hold and concentrate on winning a Lonsdale belt for the third time.

Originally due to fight Ukrainian Vladimir Borovski for the vacant WBU title, Sinclair will now make a third defence of his British title in Belfast on February 1st at the Odyssey Arena against Welshman Bradley Pryce.

It was announced earlier in the week that Sinclair was to meet Borovski for the WBU title but that was met with little approval given the Ukrainian's low ranking. Promoter Frank Warren then offered Sinclair the option of proceeding with the title challenge or defending the British title.

Pryce will prove a greater threat than Borovski but that aspect of the match-making doesn't unduly concern the champion.

"He's a good fighter and a tough opponent but training's being going really well. I feel better than ever and I've every confidence I'll be keeping that belt," said Sinclair.

Sinclair has often spoken about his desire to make a Lonsdale belt his own and taking the opportunity now does not rule out a world title fight later.

"When the WBU fight first came up in December I couldn't turn it down but when I was given the option of making that all important third defence I had no hesitation in taking it," he said.

"The WBU fight can go on hold for the moment but it's been a long held ambition to win the Lonsdale belt outright. It's actually never been harder to do it since they changed the rules (previously just two defences were required) and there isn't too many who have done it," said Sinclair.

Pryce, however, is confident of an upset.

"I have seen Sinclair in action many times and believe I can knock him out. He's not hard to miss with a right hand and his chin is very suspect as many of his opponents have proved. Sinclair should not be banking on an easy defence against me as I will prove on the night."