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Tough test for Barnes

Champion to make his first defence against former title holder

Last updated: 9th April 2008

Barnes: Set to fight The Bizness

My sparring partners are bang-on so I am leaving nothing to chance this time and hopefully I'm not going to be that bad again.

Barry Morrison
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David Barnes is set to put his British light-welterweight title on the line against Barry Morrison on May 9.

The 27-year-old Mancunian claimed the 23rd victory of his career in winning the vacant belt against Ted Bami in March and will make his first defence against Motherwell fighter Morrison.

His opponent, also 27, lost the title to Colin Lynes the first time he put the title on the line in June 2007 but has gone on to defeat Arek Malek and Billy Smith since.

Revenge

Morrison said: "I really want this title badly and if I get this title, I know it's all pie in the sky now, but if I get it, that would set me up for another shot at Lynes, which is the fight I really want.

"I really want to make amends for that night. I was terrible that night. It was just not me.

"I am 100 per cent concentrated on Barnes but there is always a wee niggle in the back of my mind.

"I am not going to come away with any excuses. As soon as you step into the ring the excuses go out the window.

"Training went great, it was just maybe a bit to do with the weight, losing too much at the last minute.

"But for this fight I have brought in a dietician, I have got a strength conditioner as well.

"My sparring partners are bang-on so I am leaving nothing to chance this time and hopefully I'm not going to be that bad again."

Watch all the action live and exclusive on Sky Sports 1 from 10pm on May 9.