JOE Hughes admits that he has been left frustrated by the withdrawal of Ohara Davies from a British super-lightweight title final eliminator.

The Malmesbury fighter was in line to face the WBC Silver champion this autumn, however, Davies has opted to pursue a shot at the Commonwealth crown against Josh Taylor on July 8 in Glasgow instead.

The British Boxing Board of Control have now mandated that Hughes, who was hoping for an immediate rematch with champion Tyrone Nurse following their draw in April, should face Robbie Davies Jr by the end of October.

However, Hughes is concerned that the undefeated Davies Jr will follow Davies and withdraw from the purse bids.

Scouser Davies Jr, 27, who is ranked fourth in the world by the WBA, is making the third defence of his WBA Continental title against Michael Syrowatka on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s IBO super-middleweight title defence against Arthur Abraham on July 15.

“It’s frustrating to say the least,” Hughes said.

“The board announce a final eliminator with Ohara Davies and he opts to fight for the Commonwealth title.

“Then the board say that it should be Robbie Davies Jr, but he is defending his WBA belt in July as well so they look to be going down that route so I don’t know if they will want to take this as well.

“If they do take it then they would still have a time as the final eliminator is supposed to take place by the end of October.”

Although frustrated by a lack of an opponent, the former English champion is pleased that he is getting much-needed recovery time.

“I went into the Tyrone Nurse fight with a few injuries and, to be honest, I’m still struggling with them so the time off is nice,” said Hughes, who has won 15 of his 18 bouts.

“Tyrone Nurse is fighting Jack Catterall next and I was hoping that the board would make me the mandatory for the winner.

“I suppose the final eliminator is the next best thing, I just hope that they don’t pull out – especially as you normally have to apply to the board to be involved in an eliminator.”