BOXING: Schwer will be put to test

Billy Schwer must realise that the fundamentals of outboxing and outpunching Rafael Ruelas may not, conversely, be quite enough to win him the International Boxing Federation title in Las Vegas tonight.

Schwer, striving to follow Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt as British post-war holders of the world lightweight crown, knows he will also have to out-will Ruelas to take home the championship belt to Luton.

In Ruelas, he will be confronting someone rather like himself in terms of outlook and dedication. The Mexican-American possesses seemingly limitless supplies of spirit, an unteachable quality.

"Ruelas is obviously a class fighter, but I believe I've done everything right and I couldn't be feeling better about my big chance," Schwer said.