Welsh heavyweight Dorian Darch fights for the first time outside his homeland when he tackles former amateur world number four Ian Lewison at Brentwood on December 8th.

The big men clash on Steve Goodwin's huge 'Earthquake in Essex' bill.

A war of words has developed on Twitter with Lewison claiming he will knock out the undefeated Darch (6-0) in two rounds.

“I am fed up with Lewison shouting his mouth off. If Lewison knocks me out in two rounds I will never put a pair of wraps on again, let alone gloves,” said Darch.

“He is delusional. He certainly talks a good fight because from what I have seen he cannot fight one. He looks more like Professor Klump than a heavyweight boxer and my '0' will remain intact on December 8th. I will be bringing two coachloads of fans from Wales and there's only one winner."

Lewison has other ideas and for the first time will have Dereck Chisora's trainer Don Charles in his corner. “Darch is going down in round two."

The exciting Darch v Lewison clash is part of a 15 fight+ card promoted by Goodwin Promotions at Brentwood which features eight bouts where both boxers have winning records.

There will be five hours of live free to air boxing on Primetime from 6pm to 11pm.

Tickets can be bought at www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk or by calling 01525 851150.

ASKIN NOT BOTHERED BY UNDERDOG TAG

MATTY ASKIN insists he shouldn't be written off ahead of his big fight in Poland this weekend.

The Blackpool star (14-1) faces a daunting task when he challenges Krzysztof Glowacki for the IBO intercontinental cruiserweight crown in Warsaw on Saturday night.

Askin said: "I am not bothered by having to travel overseas and there is less pressure than fighting at home.

"Few people are expecting me to win so I am flying over there and just looking forward to the experience.

"He has stopped most of his opponents, but it doesn't worry me and I am going over to take the belt from him and give Blackpool another champion.

"It is going to be a great fight and this is a chance I must take with both hands to get into the world title picture."

Glowacki (17-0) said: "I expect a tough fight and I cannot see a quick fight.

Irish Amateur Boxing Association statement re BBC Spotlight Programme.

The Irish Amateur Boxing Association is a community,non-political,non-sectarian all-island body. We are saddened at the recent media coverage concerning the Sandy Row Boxing Club. We have long enjoyed a reputation as a sport that has successfully extended the hand of friendship, and sporting rivalries across political, social, national and religious boundaries. The IABA has maintained a proud tradition of supporting boxers across the island of Ireland. There is a long list of great boxers from all parts of the island who have gone on to represent their country at international level. For the vast majority of these athletes, the issue of nationality or religion has never been of great significance. In fact, the first all female fight in this country included a boxer from the Sandy Row area. In truth, funding distribution of grants to clubs has been weighted slightly in favour of non nationalist areas as was pointed out on the Spotlight programme.

We have made a number of efforts to achieve a resolution and address the concerns of Sandy Row Boxing Club. Regrettably this did not occur. It should be appreciated that the Board of the IABA like all organisations is governed by rules, regulations and procedures.Consequently, any Boxing Club affiliating must recognise and adhere to the Association’s rules. We also accept that we cannot ignore the responsibilities that arise with representing boxers who may reside in Ireland but who may regard their primary national allegiances beyond the island of Ireland. The IABA recognises that the Good Friday agreement gives those who are living in Northern Ireland the right to declare their nationality as Irish, British or both. This unique right sets those from the North of Ireland apart from anywhere else in the world. This can create headaches for those charged with administering sport and determing funding for bodies. However, these problems are not insurmountable in the opinion of the Board of the IABA.

The desire of the IABA is that the Sandy Row Boxing Club affiliate. Since its inception in 1911 the IABA has had a proud history of tolerance and inclusivity. It is now our responsibility to work with Sport NI to find a positive way of moving forward on this matter that in the longer term will serve to strengthen and consolidate the sport across the island as a whole.