IT'S taken six years and thousands of hours patiently training away in the gym - but a light has finally appeared at the end of Peter Culshaw's world title tunnel.
After many years of seemingly being ignored by boxing's four major governing bodies the International Boxing Federation named Culshaw as number two contender for their prestigious world title.
The IBF are insisting Culshaw boxes Mexico's Fernando Montiel in a world title eliminator with the winner going on to challenge their champion, Luis Alberto of Nicaragua.
It's not the first time Culshaw has been linked with a major world title opportunity. There is a long line of promoters who have promised the 'Choirboy' the ring's major honours, but failed to produce the goods.
But this is the first time one of the top four organisations - WBC, IBF, WBA or WBO - have named him as a leading contender for an official eliminator.
Culshaw said: "Finally a real major league title fight. This is what my whole career has been about. This is why I go to the gym every day and what I dream about at night.
"I've been promised things in the past. But finally it looks like I'll get my chance.
"Even if Montiel has other plans I cannot be overlooked. He either boxes me or he steps aside and I go straight in with the champion Alberto. Either way I'm finally going to mix it with the bigger names at the top of the division."
Having now issued the match the IBF will await purse bids from promoters.
Former WBO flyweight champ Montiel boasts an intimidating 21 knockouts, and just one defeat, in 29 pro fights and is looked after by Oscar De La Hoya's 'Golden Boy Promotions', based in Los Angeles.
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