Jon Thaxton faces his biggest test against Yuri Romanov

Jon Thaxton has been promised a world title shot by promoter Mick Hennessy if he can beat Yuri Romanov on Friday.

The British lightweight champion takes on the European belt holder from Belarus at Bethnal Green's York Hall.

The 33-year-old from Norwich has admitted it is his toughest bout to date, but the incentives are huge.

Thaxton told BBC Radio Norfolk: "Hennessy said to me: 'win this and you can have a world title shot in six months'. Is that an incentive or what?"

Hatton was an up and coming prospect when I fought him, this kid is the European champion and ranked number two in the world by the WBA. Jon Thaxton

He added: "I don't think ahead though, one fight at a time and Yuri Romanov on Friday night is my goal."

Thaxton, a veteran of 15 years as a professional fighter, is facing up to the fact that he is the rank outsider to win against Romanov.

He echoed earlier comments from his trainer Graham Everett that this will be the toughest fight of his career.

"I think it is, yes. A lot of people think it would have been Ricky Hatton, but you have to remember that Hatton was an up and coming prospect when I fought him," he said.

"Romanov is the European champion and ranked number two in the world by the WBA."

The world number one is currently 36-year-old American Nate Campbell, who recently beat Juan Diaz for the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.