Boxing: McCracken's fans on trial

MICKEY DUFF is backing supporters of the British light-middleweight champion, Robert McCracken, to be on their best behaviour at London's York Hall tonight.

McCracken returns to the ring 31 days after his successful title defence against Steve Foster at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham was marred by rioting rival fans.

Extra security will be deployed for the non-title fight against Bristol's Dean Cooper - and the British Boxing Board of Control will be closely monitoring events at the Bethnal Green venue.

But Duff, the manager and promoter, said: 'We have never had any trouble there and we don't foresee any this time.

'The supporters know that any repeat of what happened in Birmingham could seriously affect Robert's career.

'I've told him that the best thing is to come out and fight again quickly and give himself the chance to put what happened there behind him.'

Cooper, 25, beaten once in a four-year professional career, has an unexpected chance to make a name for himself after taking the fight at short notice.