John Watson ready for his big night against Rees

Liverpool's John Watson takes a big step up in class on Saturday 6th November when he takes on rugged Gavin Rees for the vacant British lightweight title.  To add to the size of Watson's task, he has to travel to the Welshman's back yard of Newport.  Regardless, his trainer David Coldwell is in confident mood concerning his man's chances.

"Normally, John would come up here (Coldwell's training base is across the Pennines in Rotherham) two or three times a week but we've got him an apartment and he's up here full-time now - and he's reaping the benefits.

"We're really excited about it and are both looking forward to it.  Rees is the favourite but, trust me, he's going to cause a shock."

Unlike Rees, 30, a veteran of 34 fights and former WBA light-welter champ as well as recent Prizefighter winner, Watson (13-0) might very well have flown under fight fans' radar.  After all, his biggest win was an eliminator for this title in March 2009 against Martin Gethin.  So what should the uninitiated look out for?

"He's massive at the weight," observes Coldwell of his 5'10" charge.  "But he does the weight right because he lives for boxing.  So none of the training is about shifting weight but about improving technically.  He's got a great repertoire and can pull any punch out.

"John's also very fit.  I know that people go on about Rees' workrate but John can match that.  He's got a great boxing brain and listens carefully to what he's being told and tries to put it into action.  He's got all the tools."

And what's the camp's verdict of tough little South Walian Rees?

"Well, he's been there and done that, hasn't he?  He's a former world champ and a legit one too.  Plus he's won Prizefighter.  He's got a good engine on him.  He's quite small but he's clever in that he turns that to his own advantage.

"I've got to say though, I know it's a big jump in class for John...but if you take away that one WBA title fight (against Souleymane M'Baye in July 2007) and Prizefighter, he hasn't fought anyone really.  He took that step up when it came and the same applies to John Watson.

"It's a big night - but he won't let the occasion get to him."