NATHAN Gorman believes he is a blessed man after two setbacks led to him being given his first title opportunity.

The Ricky Hatton-trained heavyweight faces Sheffield giant David Howe for the vacant Central Area title on Hatton Boxing’s ‘The Beginning’ event at the Fenton Manor in Stoke on Saturday night (October 1).

But a first title shot has only come about because the match-up twice fell through in the summer.

Initially, the pair were set to lock horns over six rounds on the Tyson Fury v Wladimir Klitschko bill in July but an injury to Fury led to the show being postponed. The fight was rescheduled for a Sunday show in Cannock, but this time Gorman himself had to withdraw.

“I’d have loved to fight on a big bill like Fury v Klitshcko but that being called off and then me getting an injury has proven to be a blessing in disguise,” Nathan, who is the great nephew of legendary bareknuckle fighter Bartley Gorman, said.

“I’ve got my first title fight off of the back of those cancellations so I can’t complain. I’m topping my own bill and I have a chance to get a belt around my waist.”

Standing 6ft 8ins and boasting a 14 fight professional record, Howe is by far Gorman’s biggest challenge in terms of both experience and stature.

However, Gorman insists he is more than comfortable in the land of the giants after holding his own in sparring sessions with the likes of David Price.

He said: “I prefer to fight taller people than me. I find that I’ve had better spars with bigger heavyweights and I believe I can do the business on the night.

“I’ve been boxing people taller than me since I started boxing so his height doesn’t worry me. His best weapon is his jab and he has a good uppercut as well, but me and Ricky will have a game plan to counteract everything he’s got.”

‘The Beginning’ is the first in number of upcoming shows to be hosted by Hatton Boxing, the company founded by the two-weight world champion; Hatton Boxing also manufactures premium boxing equipment and trains thousands of fitness professionals each year through its Academy.

The card also features two further title tussles as unbeaten welterweights Craig Morris and Nathan McIntosh clash for the Midlands Area crown, while Stoke’s own Kieron McLaren locks horns with Chris Adaway in a British Challenge title encounter.

Also featured are Hatton Promotions’ welterweight prospect Sam ‘Taffy’ Evans, Stafford stalwart Rob Hunt, Ruskington’s Dan Cooper and hometown debutant Owen Jobburn.

Tickets to are priced at £30 for general admission and £60 for ringside and can be purchased at Hattonboxing.com