SCOTT Quigg has the carrot of a world title showdown when he steps into the ring against Venezuelan Franklin Varela at the Castle Leisure Centre on Saturday, July 23.

Should the 22-year-old successfully defend his WBA intercontinental super-bantamweight title, he will secure a crack at Japanese star Akifumi Shimoda’s WBA world crown.

His test against Varela is likely to be his final home fight, but Quigg has vowed to return in the future with a world title defence at Gigg Lane.

Varela, aged 33, is a former WBC Latino champion and warmed up for Quigg with a two-round knockout of Oscar Sandoval to extend his record to 19 victories from 24 fights.

It promises to be an explosive showdown, and Quigg is relishing his latest test before October’s planned date with British champion Jason Booth.

“This is just the type of fight I need before I go for the British title,” he said.

“I am buzzing that it will be in Bury. I can walk to the venue from my house so Franklin really is fighting in my own back-yard.

“I am delighted about the news it will be a world title eliminator and Hatton Promotions have delivered yet again.”

Hatton Promotions president Ricky Hatton added: “We have moved Scott along steadily, but now he is world class and will prove it against Varela.”

Whitefield’s Rhys Roberts is also expected to fight on the action-packed show.

The last few tickets for the show are priced at £75 (VIP ringside), £55 (ringside) and £35 (general admission) and they are available from www.brandhatton.com or by phoning 0844 847 2500.