Nicky Cook's position as one of British boxing's leading lights will be confirmed later this week when the Londoner is announced as headlining a top bill in December, with a vanquished Amir Khan relegated to the undercard.

Cook realised his dream of becoming a world champion in Manchester when he outpointed World Boxing Organisation super-featherweight title-holder Alex Arthur.

His 29th victory from 30 fights was overshadowed by Khan's shock first-round defeat by Colombian Breidis Prescott.

But 28-year-old Cook will have his day in the spotlight when he stars in a show to be promoted by Frank Warren in Birmingham on 6 December.

He won't, however, be sharing the ring with leading contender Kevin Mitchell, who ruled out an all-London showdown because he is trained by Cook's father, Paul. Mitchell, who holds the WBO inter-continental belt, said: "I wouldn't fight Nicky. He's like a brother to me."

Scotsman Arthur claimed he was robbed of his championship by the three English judges who gave Cook a unanimous verdict.

Terry O'Connor scored the contest the closest, giving it to Cook 115-114. Dave Parris made it a more convincing 117-111, with Roy Francis scoring it 117-112.

Warren and Scotland's former WBC lightweight champion, Jim Watt, who was working as a television pundit, also thought the Edinburgh fighter had fallen short.

Arthur, 30, said: "I really think they robbed me of my title. It was three English judges - in England. A fighter knows in his heart if he has won or lost a fight and I really thought I had won."

Cook said: "Alex is a fantastic boxer and I didn't realise he was that strong but we had a game plan and stuck to it for 12 rounds. We kept it simple and it paid off - I'm a world champion now."

Cook's victory preceded a dramatic first professional defeat for Khan, who was knocked out inside a minute by Prescott.

Warren believes a fight between Khan and Arthur on Cook's undercard could be one way forward for both beaten boxers.