TOUGH journeymen Michael Pinnock and Darren Ashton are being lined up as the potential next opponents for the 'Jorvik Warrior', Jamie Warters.

The York-based cruiserweight has set his sights on an October rematch with Hull's Tony Booth, having lost on points to the record-breaking veteran in his long awaited return in November after two years out of the ring.

But first the 29-year-old, who is trained and managed by Steve Pollard, will have at least three bouts, starting on March 20 against either Birmingham's Pinnock or Stoke's Ashton.

The bout would either take place at the City Hall, Hull, or at the Hull Kingston Communications Stadium.

Pollard told the Evening Press: "We are looking at either Michael Pinnock or Darren Ashton.

"Both are tough, experienced fighters, if not as hard or as handy as Tony Booth.

"Jamie is still as keen as ever, and so am I. We just bounce off each other. He is working hard and I still believe he can be the British champion.

"We've six shows organised for this year and Jamie will fight on four of them. We are looking at March, May, September and then the big one in October against Booth.

"But if we think Jamie needs a few more fights - or is just knocking them all out - we have a link with Naseem Hamed's promotions (Prince Promotions) and will get him some more opposition."

While neither Pinnock and Ashton have not pulled up any trees in their boxing careers, both have proved to be durable opponents in their time.

Pinnock may have only won four of his 67 bouts, but he has only been stopped five times in his 54 defeats, frustrating a number of up-and-coming British boxers over the past eight years.

However, Warters will know all about 37-year-old Pinnock having seen him fight - and subsequently lose on points to - his sparring partner Earl 'The Real Thing' Ling on the under-card of his battle with Booth.

Having twice been the Midlands Area light-heavyweight champion, Ashton has enjoyed a more successful career, even stepping in for a failed attempt at the Trans World Boxing Association light-heavyweight title.

But after an encouraging start in the ring, 33-year-old Ashton has fallen away and now has a record of 15-48-1-1 - although, like Pinnock, he has rarely been stopped in his ten years as a professional.

Updated: 09:48 Saturday, January 25, 2003