A HEAVYWEIGHT boxer has had his hopes of appearing in his first title challenge in his hometown dashed.

Chris Burton was due to fight Franklin Egobi for the International Masters title at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, until promoters moved the bout because they could not meet the cost of policing the event.

As a result of riots that marred a bout in March 2004, police agreed to Burton’s title challenge only if they were given extra money.

Burton’s promoters said the £5,000 bill meant they would not be able to cover costs and moved the fight, on May 1, to Hartlepool.

Burton, known as High Tower, said: “It is very disappointing.

A lot more people would have been going in Darlington.

“It is nice to fight in front of your own crowd. I have fought in Darlington before and it has always been fine. In Darlington’s boxing history, there has only been trouble once. I cannot see what the problem is and I feel as though I have been robbed.”

Darlington Borough Council banned bouts in the town after 40 rival fans clashed at the Dolphin Centre in 2004.

The rioting caused £5,000 worth of damage. A pensioner had one of his ears cut and an 18-year-old suffered a head injury.

Trouble flared during a bout between local boxer Francis Jones and Danny Moir, of Gateshead, both of whom unsuccessfully pleaded for calm.

Burton said: “I would have really liked to have fought in Darlington. I am just very disappointed.

I have got to keep my head focused now and win this fight.

“I am stronger than I have ever been. I am still hoping a lot of people will make the journey over.”

Burton’s fight with Londonbased Nigerian Egobi will now be held in Seaton Carew Mayfair Suite, in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

It will be top-billing on a show featuring five fights.

Burton’s trainer, Neil Fannan, said boxing returned to Darlington two years ago after an agreement was reached between police and organisers.

He said: “It just means we cannot run events in Darlington any more. It is a bit sad because we have some good response in Darlington.

“It is more disappointing for Chris because it is the first time he is going to fight for a title.”

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said: “Darlington council considered its position on allowing boxing to take place at the Dolphin Centre following lobbying from local boxing clubs, promoters and the governing body.”

No one from Durham Police was available for comment yesterday.