Bradford boxer Bobby Vanzie faces a hostile reception when he defends his British and Commonwealth titles on Monday.

His small band of around 30 supporters will be heavily outnumbered by followers of his rival Stephen Smith at London's Elephant and Castle Leisure Centre.

A spokesman for Lennox Lewis's management team Panix Promotions who are staging the show, said that challenger Smith will have around 500 fans.

Vanzie, who is unbeaten in his 17-fight professional career, is disappointed with the level of backing he has attracted from the Bradford public despite the fact he is a double champion.

He said: "It is very frustrating that many people who indicated they were going to travel to London are now saying they cannot make it.

"Obviously a Monday night is awkward for many people but quite a few of my usual supporters have said they prefer to stay at home and watch the fight on Sky."

Twenty-five-year-old Van-zie accepts that he will receive his best-ever pay cheque for fighting in Smith's backyard, but admits he would love the backing of his fellow Bradfordians.

He said: "I am proud of Bradford and when I fight I strive to be successful for the City. I hope I am a good ambassador for Bradford

"A crowd cannot win a fight for a boxer but they can help with encouragement at times of trouble.

"I have become used to having to travel to fight in many of my opponents' hometowns but it doesn't faze me.

"I would like to think that I could have a big fight in Bradford in the future but that possibility does seem slim because of the lack of suitable venues."

Bradford-based British welterweight champion Derek Roche had his hopes of defending his crown against Harry Dhami in the city scuppered when Sky TV ruled out Pennington's Variety Bar and the Richard Dunn sports centre for his March 27 fight.

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