By Terence Dooley

Rocky Dean, 31, is confident ahead of next Tuesday’s clash against Jason Booth, 31; the two men will contest the British super-bantamweight title held by Booth at London’s historic York Hall. 

Dean lost his last British title tilt to then-holder Matthew Marsh, who has since vacated the title.  Booth picked the belt up when defeating Mark Moran in six-rounds in April.

Rocky has told Newmarket Journal that he is ready to upset the odds.  "I can't see why we're at those prices [6/1 outsider] but I will prove them wrong on the 30th," said the challenger, who spends some of his time training in Newmarket.  "Everyone is saying it's a 50:50 fight, so with me being a 6/1 [underdog], a few of my friends will be putting some money on [me].  Get your money on Rocky Dean,” he implored.

Dean has a patchy record, 14-10-2 (4), and Booth is back in form, it is a big task for Dean, his trainer, Mark O’Reilly, brought in former European kingpin Ian Napa to provide quality sparring, Napa defeated Booth two years ago, so can impart some knowledge onto Dean.

The bullish O’Neill is adamant that his man can upset the odds.  "It is a huge deal for someone in our town to be boxing for a British title,” he said.  This extra impetus should drive Dean on.

However, the form guide favors Booth, 32-5 (13), a British, Commonwealth and IBO title holder.  Rocky has previously held the Southern Area featherweight belt, so there is a marked contrast in levels.  Still, boxing is the dream factory; maybe this Rocky story will have a happy ending for the plucky challenger.

Sky Sports 2 televise the bout from 9.30 Tuesday. 

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