Preston fighter Scott Fitzgerald is still targeting bout with arch-rival Anthony Fowler

Scott Fitzgerald on his way to victory over Anthony Fowler at the Liverpool Arena

The Preston light-middleweight boxer has been earmarked to face his bitter rival once more at North End’s home ground in May.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn held discussions with club officials last year and it is believed discussions remain ongoing.

Fitzgerald defeated Fowler on points in March last year after dramatically dropping the Liverpudlian in the final round at the Liverpool Arena.

He then went on to claim the British title when he got the better of Ted Cheeseman, in Newcastle, later in the year.

It was hoped that Fitzgerald would be able to fight ahead of the potential May showdown, but he is currently nursing a problematic injury to his left hand.

It is a condition which will likely require surgery, but the 28-year-old is expected to manage the injury and avoid going under the knife until after he has retired from the sport.

Fowler, meanwhile, will take on Bolton’s Jack Flatley at the Manchester Arena next month.

The pair will fight for the WBA international super welterweight title on the undercard of the Scott Quigg versus Jono Carroll undercard on March 7.

While that match-up is Fowler’s immediate concern, he has spoken about his wish to take on Fitzgerald again and exact revenge.

The former Commonwealth Games champion – who like Fitzgerald won gold in Glasgow 2014 – is now working under trainer Shane McGuigan after splitting from Dave Coldwell.

Fowler believes he underestimated the Preston ace – a mistake he says he will not make second time around.

“Hand on heart, I thought I was going to knock Scott out the first few rounds,” he said.

“I had watched his previous fights and that’s the worst thing I could have done because he boxed absolutely awful.

“I just did not think he stood a chance against me.

“I had sparred some top fighters like James DeGale and I just thought Scott was not at my level. Maybe I got caught up in all the emotion and hype – you can’t got out there thinking it is going to be easy.”