Appleby will make his first title defence at the St Andrews Sporting Club

Featherweight Paul Appleby is to defend his British title against Esham Pickering in Glasgow on 28 November.

It is the first defence for the South Queensferry man who was named Britain's Best Young Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writers' Guild.

Appleby won the belt in June by beating fellow Scot John Simpson on points.

"I get recognised more now and get more respect. I have got more to lose - so I want to stay the champion," said 21-year-old Appleby.

Pickering, 32, took part in the first of his 12 title fights 10 years ago.

The Newark fighter will be stepping up from his usual super-bantamweight division.

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