Kpakpo Allotey To Fight For C'wealth Title

Commonwealth super-featherweight champion Craig Docherty, of Scotland, is confident that cuts will not jeopardise the second defence of his title.

The Glaswegian, whose only loss came against Michael Gomez in 2001, puts his belt on the line again when he steps into the ring with Ghana?s Kpakpo Allotey at the Kelvin Hall on April 22.

But he will be hoping for a less dramatic affair this time after courageously surviving a bad gash above his left eye to beat Abdul Malik Jabir on points back in November.

Docherty is nervous as he rates Allotey even higher than his countryman but he does not expect blood to make the task even harder.

Docherty said: ?He?s technically better, a bigger and stronger guy and, as you can see, he?s boxed for the Ghana lightweight title and I?ve got that fight on tape.

?He looks really, really strong and tough so I am already nervous and that?s not usually like me. That?s hopefully a good sign that it will keep me sharp on the night.

?I think that I could win the European title soon and I?m learning all the time and getting fitter, stronger and more experienced.

?I don?t see why I can?t go on to do these things. He is a big puncher but I will be preparing for a long-distance fight.

?I am fitter now than I was last time because I had a lot of problems with my knee and I had to stop running to let it heal.

?But I?ve been doing hills and I have been sparring and getting hit on the eye quite often so it seems to be all right.?

Docherty will realise a childhood dream when he walks out into the famous 2,500-capacity Kelvin Hall arena.

The Scot recalls with great fondness watching Croy flyweight Pat Clinton being crowned WBO champion at home after defeating Mexican Isidro Perez within the same walls in 1992.

?I?m looking forward to boxing there,? said Docherty. ?I remember Pat Clinton winning his WBO title years ago and watching it on the television as just a wee kid.

?I remember thinking that would be really something to box, there so I am really looking forward to it