John Murray will face Ukrainian Andrei Kudriatsev for the vacant European lightweight title.

The British champion has been waiting since last October for a shot at the European crown and was hoping to take on former champion Anthony Mezaache in America next month.

But the Frenchman vacated the title this week, handing Murray a further setback.

Kevin Mitchell was first in line to face him, but the Londoner is focusing on a shot a WBC champion Michael Katsidis.

The deadline for purse bids is March 24, meaning there is no chance of the clash being arranged before Murray fights in America five days earlier.