Hove fighter Paul Halpin looks set to get a crack at Scottish sensation Alex Arthur if he comes through a warm-up fight with Craig Spacie successfully on March 8.

Halpin, who has not fought since March last year, is so desperate to get the fight on with the unbeaten British super-featherweight champion that his sponsor is willing to put a £10,000 side bet for the winner.

The undefeated 28-year-old has accused Frank Warren's Sports Network of ducking the fight, a suggestion hotly-disputed by the promoter, who used to manage Halpin.

Sports Network's Andy Ayling said: "Every time Paul comes up here we have spoken about the fight. We have offered it to him three times but he has always wanted a warm-up fight.

"He never wants the fight it always the wrong time. If he wants the fight it is there to be had. There is no problem and he can even have his £10,000 sidebet too.

"If the Boxing Board of Control are happy with him to go ahead after another win, then so are we."

Halpin, who is stalling on another contract with Sports Network, said: "They (Sports Network) have said in the Boxing News that I have been offered the fight three times.

"That is not true. I have been offered it once and that was at 24 hours notice. They have offered it to me again now on March 22 when Arthur fights again but that is too soon after my first fight back.

"If we can get it on in June then I can squeeze in another eight-rounder, which is what I want."