Boxing: Akinwande between Welch and the elite

Not so long ago the prospect of Henry Akinwande fighting Scott Welch would hardly have been a compelling attraction at the end of Brighton pier. Despite his fine technical ability, Akinwande was seen as dull and unfashionable while Welch was remembered mainly for being battered to a five-round defeat by the ponderous James Oyebola 30 months ago.

Now Welch stands just one major victory away from becoming a white world heavyweight champion, attaining membership of an exclusive club and a guaranteed entry to the ranks of the big-time.

Welch would suddenly be known in America fight circles if he overcomes the 6ft 7in Akinwande in the all-British showdown for the World Boxing Organisation title at the Nashville Arena today.

A Welch win would hardly likely to be a triumph for science. His strategy will be to get past Akinwande's telescopic arms and rough him up inside, tactics that are likely to give the referee a busy night.

Welch believes he is a genuine contender for a world crown, and his association with the trainer Jim McDonnell has enhanced his stamina and technique.

At a pre-fight press conference Welch managed to wind up Akinwande to the extent that the pair had to be pulled apart.

The Florida-based, London-born Akinwande will be making the second defence of the title he won by knocking out Jeremy Williams in June. He then dismantled the Russian Alexander Zolkin in November.

Akinwande is the official leading contender to meet the winner of next month's Lennox Lewis-Oliver McCall World Boxing Council title clash within 90 days.

A cash row has flared between rival promoters, Dan Duva and Don King, regarding that fight. King is demanding a letter of credit guaranteeing McCall's purse of $3m (pounds 1.8m) plus training expenses of $200,000.