by Shaun Brown

Promoter Frank Warren has told Boxing Scene that Bradley Skeete (27-2, 12 KOs) has vacated the British welterweight title.

The vacant 147lbs Lonsdale strap will be contested between Gary Corcoran (18-2, 8 KOs) and Skeete's Peacock Gym mate Johnny Garton (22-1-1, 9 KOs) on October 20 at the Brentwood Centre, Essex as part of a Warren promotion.

Skeete became British champion in 2016 beating Sam Eggington on points away from home also giving him Eggington's Commonwealth title in the process.

Three successful defences in a year against John Thain, Shayne Singleton and Dale Evans gave the Londoner the prestigious honour of owning the belt outright. Skeete, however, was unsuccessful when challenging for the vacant European title last time out against Kerman Lejarraga in Bilbao. The heavy handed Spaniard proved too much for the Brit sending his man to the canvas three times before the towel was thrown in. Warren informed 'Scene that Skeete will return to action on the October 20 show, which will be screened live on BT Sport, along with Anthony Yarde with an opponent for the WBO number 2 light heavyweight still to be confirmed.

It had seemed that Skeete would defend his title on October 20 against Corcoran, who last year fell short against Jeff Horn when challenging for the WBO Welterweight title in Australia, after last week's notices from the British Boxing Board of Control. Warren said they were looking to get Skeete into a "big fight" should he come through his next contest, next month.

Also added to the October 20 show is an intriguing super middleweight bout between unbeaten prospects Zak Chelli (4-0, 2 KOs) and Umar Sadiq (3-0, 1 KO).

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