Derek 'The Rebel' Roche defends his British welterweight title for the third time on Monday and his trainer Kevin Spratt is convinced he is on th verge of becoming a big name.

As Roche wrapped up his preparation for the clash with Kent's Harry Dhami at Barnsley Metrodome, Spratt likened the Bradford-based boxer to his fellow countryman Steve Collins.

Spratt said: "I believe that Derek can be that good. He is brave and hungry, just like Collins was when he beat men like Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank to become the WBO world super-middleweight champion.

"Derek is also an exciting fighter and his record is second to none.

"He has won all 22 of his fights, 16 by knockouts, and has recorded a total of 23 knockdowns.

"He has great punching power and a big heart. If he was boxing in London rather than in Yorkshire he would be a national hero by now."

Roche, who has already won a Lonsdale Belt outright, is expected to carry too much power for the lanky Dhami who has a record of 12 wins and a draw from his 17 pro fights.

Dhami will have a height advantage but Spratt expects Roche's fitness and superior punching power to be decisive.

"I am sure once Derek starts catching him with his big body shots that Dhami will start to crumble.

"Derek has the experience of going 12 rounds but on this occasion I believe he can stop Dhami."

The only fear for Roche is the threat of cuts. He has suffered damage around his eyes in his two most recent fights against George Smith and Scott Dixon.

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