DARLINGTON heavyweight Chris Burton will fight for the vacant International Masters title tonight, believing that victory will provide a “massive boost” to his boxing career.

The fight with Londonbased Nigerian Franklin Egobi was originally scheduled to go ahead at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington, until promoters moved the event because they could not meet the cost of policing.

Following riots that marred a bout in March 2004, police insisted on extra money being paid before Burton’s titlechallenge could go ahead.

Facing a bill of £5,000, promoters switched the bout to the Seaton Carew Mayfair Suite, in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool but the Darlington boxer has no worries about fighting on ‘foreign’ soil’.

“It was disappointing when we found out the fight wasn’t going ahead in Darlington because all boxers love to compete in front of their home crowds,” admitted 6ft 5ins Hightower.

“But I’ll have fans travelling over to Hartlepool so we should still get a great following.”

The heavyweight, who has been taking six mile runs on Seaton Carew beach as part of his preparation, added: “I am stronger than I have ever been and am in the condition of my life. This will be my first ten round contest so it’s a step up, but it’s an essential part of my career development. Having a title on your CV just puts you up a notch or two in the eyes of promoters so it will be a massive boost for my career if I win.’’ Burton, 28, a finalist in last year’s Prizefighter Series, has been called “the best heavyweight prospect in Britain” by current British heavyweight title holder Danny Williams.

At 17 he played junior rugby for Darlington Mowden Park before turning his attention to amateur boxing.

Tonight’s bout with the veteran Egobi will top the bill as part of a five-fight card.

Burton goes into the contest in confident mood having defeated Egobi in November 2007, but he’s taking nothing for granted against the vastly experienced Nigerian.

“I’m very confident that I will win the fight. But Egobi is no mug, he’s fought for titles in Africa and has loads of experience but I’m pretty sure I’ve got too much for him,’’ he said.

Burton added: “I would have really liked to have fought in Darlington.

“I’m just keeping my focus and am determined to win the title and help take my career onto the next level.”