ROBBIE Turley has been handed “the opportunity of a lifetime” after it was announced he would challenge for the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight title.

The Cefn Fforest fighter, a former Welsh and Celtic champion, will face Lincoln’s Bobby Jenkinson on the Sanigar Events ‘Acid Test’ show at the Newport Centre on Friday, April 7.

Turley, 30, has won four of his last five bouts, with the one defeat in that sequence coming in an eliminator for the British crown against Tommy Ward.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” said Turley, who is trained by Tony Borg at St Joseph’s Boxing Club in Newport.

“Chris and Jamie Sanigar said that if I was patient the chance would come and it has – I can't thank them enough.

“Winning the Commonwealth title at home would be a dream come true and I will do everything I can to get the win.”

Jenkinson had a standout year in 2015, firstly winning the Midlands Area strap and then travelling to Wembley Arena to defeat home favourite Lewis Petitt to claim the vacant Commonwealth crown.

However, his reign came to an end last March when he suffered a seventh-round knockout at the hands of rising star Gamal Yafai, who has since vacated the title.

That defeat was 25-year-old Jenkinson’s second of his professional career – he has only fought once since then, outpointing tough journeyman Brett Fidoe earlier this month.

“I am really pleased for the chance to win back my old title,” said Jenkinson. “I am determined to put on a great display and this time I plan on holding on to the belt for a lot longer this time.”

Turley’s St Joes stablemates Morgan Jones and Daniel Barton will feature on the undercard in Newport.

Jones looks to take his unbeaten record into double figures when he meets the durable Harry Matthews over eight rounds.

Barton makes is pro debut on home soil with a four-rounder against winless Jacob Lucas.

“It is great to be able to deliver a title shot to Robbie Turley, especially on home soil,” said promoter Jamie Sanigar.

“Robbie has been waiting patiently on the sidelines for a long time and now is his chance to show the boxing public what he is capable of.

“Robbie will be the third Welshman to win the Commonwealth title under our management, following in the footsteps of Jamie Arthur and Lee Selby.

“We have faith in his ability and are confident that he can pull it off on April 7.”