Trainer Godfrey Brown is in no doubt that Bradford's Bobby Vanzie is in great shape for Monday's British and Commonwealth title defences against Stephen Smith.

Brown, who combines preparing "The Viper" with a full-time job as a teacher at St Matthews Primary School in Leeds, said: "He is totally focused. His work in training has gone absolutely to plan.

"To train twice a day five or six times a week at unholy hours is tough but Bobby has never once complained.

"He wants this fight. He wants to beat Smith and everything about his work has underlined his desire to do just that.

"His sparring was particularly impressive. I am convinced he is as prepared as he could be for the fight."

While 25-year-old Vanzie has concentrated on getting into top shape for the contest at the Elephant & Castle Leisure Centre in South London, Brown has been spending hours studying a video of Smith in action.

"It's a compilation of his fights and is a bit repetitive, but it's necessary for me to watch it in detail," he said. "Bobby never watches the video but he has seen Smith box and knows his style."

Smith is unbeaten in 25 professional fights while Vanzie has 16 wins and a draw from his 17 contests in the paid ranks.

"Smith has the edge in experience but he has had many of his contests at super featherweight whereas Bobby has fought over the championship distance at lightweight and has met up with light-welterweight and welterweight as well," said Brown

"But we cannot under-estimate Smith. He is a good opponent, a southpaw with an orthodox approach. He works hard and is strong.

"We know how much the fight means to him and expect him to try and counteract Bobby's skills. But I think Bobby's pace will be a key factor."

Brown also believes Vanzie has one vital ingredient which many of the national boxing media have under-estimated - punching power.

Brown said: "I know he's got it. I've seen it and I know he can use it.

"He has often produced it when he has most needed it under pressure. Smith is capable of producing the sort of pressure which will provoke that powerful response from Bobby.

"A stoppage would be extremely welcome. Such a victory could open the door to bigger things for Bobby.

"He just has to make sure he maintains his current focus."

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