Colchester’s Lee Purdy has got his shot at the IBF World Welterweight crown on merit and insists he will prove that on May 18 in Atlantic City.


The 25-year-old boxer was revealed yesterday as the next challenger for Devon Alexander’s IBF World crown after mandatory challenger Kell Brook was forced to withdraw with a foot injury last week.


Purdy’s rapid elevation was somewhat of a surprise to some, but he has earned the right to box for the title with some impressive wins since relinquishing his British Welterweight title to Colin Lynes in 2011.


The reigning IBF International Welterweight champion said: “I’m now the mandatory challenger for this fight after Kell Brook pulled out – he (Alexander) has to fight me.


“There is no-one ranked number two and the number three ranked fighter couldn’t take it.


“The IBF have ranked me as number four so I’m the next in line.


“And they’ve ranked me as number four for a reason.


“I’ve beaten some quality opponents and that’s why I’ve got this fight.”


See Monday’s Gazette for full reaction from Lee Purdy about his World title fight and how he feels he can win in Atlantic City on May 18.