Bradford's former British welterweight champion Derek Roche has parted company with the trainer who has guided him through his professional career.

Roche has decided to split from Yeadon-based Kevin Spratt as he prepares for his first fight since losing his unbeaten record and title to Kent's Harry Dhami in March.

The hard-hitting Irishman is now being trained in Bradford by Mark McCreith, a former leading amateur, for his comeback fight which will be in the same Barnsley ring on September 25. No opponent has been named yet.

Spratt is disappointed by the break-up. He feels bitter that Roche has made the decision after 23 fights in which he secured 22 wins - 16 by stoppages.

"I've been at his side throughout his professional career and I felt we worked well together," he said.

"I am hurt by his decision to leave. I have tried to speak to him about it without any success."

Roche was known to be bitterly upset by the manner of his defeat by Dhami and the tactics he used were criticised in many quarters as being ill conceived.

But that did not provoke the split, according to Roche's manager John Celebanksi.

He said: "The change is regrettable because it was something that went wrong between the two of them away from the ring.

"It was silly and perhaps it should not have happened, but I am happy with the new arrangements and believe that Mark can be good for Derek.

"Kevin will continue to train the other boxers I manage while Mark will work on Derek.

"Obviously I will be keeping a close eye on how things progress.

"But Mark has a good knowledge of the sport and is working with Derek on his defence."