Dean Pithie will become the first Coventry boxer to fight for a world title in his home city when he challenges for the super featherweight crown at the SkyDome Arena later this month.

Pithie will take on Moroccan-born French IBO champion Alfif Djelti on 28 October over 12 rounds on a bill which will also include Coventry fighters Richard Evatt, Mark Payne, Gareth Payne, and Tony Conroy.

Pithie has been out of competitive action since breaking his hand in his defeat against Wiseman Jim earlier this year but has been sparring with Billy Schwer ahead of his world title bid next week.

The 26-year-old said:

"I am delighted to get this shot at a world title - it is what I have worked all these years for. My hand injury may have done me some good in that I have been able to rest and recharge my batteries.

“This will be my eighth 12 round contest in two years and that plus the training can take it out of you.

"It is one thing getting a crack at a world title but for it to be here in Coventry at the SkyDome is fantastic.

“The atmosphere was brilliant when we fought there last time and to have almost 3,000 people cheering me on will make a big difference."

Promoter Jess Harding is convinced Pithie is ready for the step up in class and is confident home advantage may make the telling difference.

He said:

"There is always something special about a fighter appearing in his home city and Dean will make history. That is an added incentive on top of the world title. Coventry always produces a great atmosphere and the SkyDome is tailor-made for boxing. It will be a great night."

Harding is hoping featherweight Richard Evatt can continue to build after his disappointing defeat against Isaac Zabaduka at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre earlier this year.

Harding added:

"He has had one win since and he still has a big future if he can stay motivated and right on track.

“We still have to settle on an opponent for Richie but it will be a big, big fight for him which could decide which way his career goes."

Mark Payne is unbeaten in 10 super bantamweight fights and will step up for eight rounds for the first time in his career. His brother Gareth is on the comeback trail and could take on Nuneaton's Chris Emanuelle.

Birmingham's Roy Rutherford, the former ABA Champion, will also be on the bill.