Boxing: Champion Derek Roche will have a one pound weight advantage in tonight's British welterweight title defence at Barnsley Metrodome.

Roche, 26, weighed in right on the 10st 7lb limit, while challenger Harry Dhami scaled 10st 6lb.

Roche's trainer Kevin Spratt believes the Bradford-based boxer is in top shape for the fight.

"He has worked hard for ten weeks and doesn't intend to let that go to waste tonight.

"His body looks superb, he is strong at the weight and is determined to keep his title."

Roche is favourite to retain his crown against the Southern Area champion, but he will be conceding a reach advantage.

Spratt added: "He is taller than I thought, but very skinny. Obviously he will have a reach advantage, but we are confident that he will have no answer to Derek's punching power.

"I believe that Derek's body punches will slow Dhami down and that will prove decisive in the outcome of the fight."

Roche, who already holds a Lonsdale Belt outright, has scored 16 of his 22 pro wins on knock-outs and still possesses and unbeaten record.

Roche's last title fight with Scott Dixon was a real cracker, and he will be hoping to produce another exciting display for the Sky Sports cameras.

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