Bobby Vanzie says fear of his opponent will bring out the best in him when he defends his Commonwealth lightweight title on October 9.

Vanzie faces the unbeaten Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion James Armah from Ghana at the Everton Sports Centre, Liverpool, in a fight which promises to be one of his toughest yet.

The Bradford fighter said: "I genuinely fear him and when I fear my opponent it brings out the best in me.

"We will both be going in with unbeaten records and I am determined to come out with mine in tact.

"Armah did a good job when beating Charlie Shepherd to take his title earlier this month. He can box and has a good punch, but I am ready for him."

Vanzie, who will be making his fifth Commonwealth title defence, has not been extended since his tough nine-round win over Londoner Stephen Smith in February.

He is also set for a mandatory defence of his British and Commonwealth crowns against Steve Murray before the end of November.