Hereford'S British featherweight champion Darren 'Dazzo' Williams can be sure of plenty of home town support when he steps into the ring to defend his title against Coventry's Roy Rutherford at Hereford Leisure Centre next Wednesday evening.

The bout, which forms part of an eight-fight programme to be televised live on Sky TV, is likely to be a sell-out with the vast majority of the crowd backing the local boy.

"We've sold just under 600 tickets and the leisure centre have sold 140," said Williams' wife Kate. "And we've now been told we can have another 50 to sell, so anyone wanting a ticket should get in touch as soon as possible."

"I don't let the crowd get to me but it's a great feeling to know they will be on my side," said Williams.

"I wouldn't like to be in Rutherford's shoes when he walks into the arena - it won't be a very welcoming atmosphere. It's going to be electrifying in there."

The Coventry fighter will be going all out for revenge as Williams took the title from him on a tight points decision in Belfast back in November.

Since then, Williams has successfully defended his title against Jamie McKeever in Bridgend while Rutherford has become the English super-featherweight title holder with a win over Steve Chinnock.

But Williams is confident of victory as he scales down his training in the lead-up to the big fight.

"I had a good spar on Tuesday and I shall do my last sparring on Thursday," he said. "There will be a check weigh-in on Friday before my last training day on Sunday. Then there will be plenty of rest on Monday and Tuesday before the fight."

The last few tickets are available by calling Kate Williams on 01432 344546 or 0781 547 1341, Stefan Hitchinson on 01432 360813 or 07966 512526 or Mike Parry on 0787 527807.

Any remaining will be on sale in Maylord Orchards on Saturday morning from 11am.