RISING Bristol boxing star Danny Butler is eyeing the biggest payday of his fight career, writes Andy Stockhausen.

British Masters champion Butler has been selected to take part in Prizefighter, the brainchild of Matchroom supremo Barry Hearns.

The competition, which is to be screened live on Sky Sports in December, will feature eight middleweights from across the United Kingdom in a knockout format, with bouts scheduled for three three-minute rounds. The winner will pocket a cheque for £25,000.

Hearn launched the series in April this year when eight heavyweights contested a prize fund of £67,000 at the York Hall in London's East End.

Having racked up 12 consecutive victories since he joined the professional ranks nearly three years ago, Butler is considered one of the country's foremost prospects at middleweight.

Approached by Hearn's Matchroom team last month, the Spaniorum Gym fighter has signed a contract guaranteeing him exposure on national television.

"It's brilliant news," declared Butler, who is next in action on a Jane Couch-promotion at Bristol's city centre Marriott Hotel on Sunday.

"This is a massive breakthrough for me and a chance to show what I can do in front of a huge audience.

"Prizefighter has really taken off in a big way and I feel proud to be involved. I'm already in training for the competition and I can't wait for it to start."

The winners of the initial four fights will progress into the semi-finals, with the final two then battling it out for the winner's prize of £25,000.

Bristol-based promoter Couch said: "This is a big break for Danny. It's not just about the money, but about raising his profile and getting his face known across the country.

"This is definitely the biggest thing to happen to Danny so far in his career. The competition will be tough, but he's ready. Opportunities like this don't come along very often and it was too good to turn down."

Butler meets Welsh journeyman Mark Phillips at the Marriott on Sunday night and tickets can be booked by calling 07725 045405.

A venue has yet to be announced for the middleweight Prizefighter series.