Boxing: Cook takes on Bennett in search of recognition

In a confusing business where new world champions appear and disappear on a weekly basis, the name Jason Cook appears to have been at or near the top for a long time.

In a confusing business where new world champions appear and disappear on a weekly basis, the name Jason Cook appears to have been at or near the top for a long time.

Cook, from Maesteg, in Wales, defends his International Boxing Organisation lightweight title at the Bridgend Recreation Centre against Hartlepool's Kevin Bennett tonight. The Welshman is an almost anonymous fighter in a sport full of too many so-called champions.

Last year, Cook lost his European title on the scales when he was 2lb over the limit and subsequently could only scrape a few ounces off his body. After that awful event, he won the title he defends tonight but remains a long way from gaining the recognition that once would have been his by right.

Cook is a relentless fighter with a better eye and boxing brain than he is generally given credit for and in front of his local fans - his home is less than 10 miles away - he is a formidable opponent. Once again the venue is sold out.

Bennett is a solid campaigner and could possibly have his own weight-draining problems having fought most of his career at the higher poundage of light-welterweight. If he is feeling the ill-effects of dropping the pounds, Bennett could be brutally exposed by Cook in the last third of the fight.