Darlington'S Stuart Hall is edging closer to a Commonwealth and European title fight, but will almost certainly have to sacrifice home advantage in the North-East to make it happen.

Hall, the reigning British champion, is eyeing a triple bantamweight title bout with double title holder John McDonnell.

Doncaster-born McDonnell retained his Commonwealth title last weekend when he secured a routine, if unspectacular, points victory over Kenyan Nick Otieno.

Frank Maloney promotes both McDonnell and Hall, and is confident he can match the two fighters in a unification showdown in September.

However, with McDonnell having previously claimed he is "out of Hall's league", the North-Easterner, who is undefeated in 12 contests as a professional, might have to step into the Yorkshireman's backyard to make the contest viable.

"The best are fighting the best domestically and Jamie against Stuey is a natural between two top-drawer fighters," said Maloney.

"I think Jamie and his team are reluctant to travel to the North-East, but perhaps it could happen in Doncaster even though I believe the fight generates more money in Darlington or Sunderland.

"I have one more show left this season and, in an ideal world, it would be a great way to kick off the new term.

"It will mean a lot more to the public for Jamie to tackle Stuey than a European they are not so familiar with.

"I believe the winner will go on to a world title fight and that should be a big enough lure for both fighters."