Ukrainian Poses Rees Challenge As Khan Bides Time

It is a measure of the ability of Andreas Kotelnik, the Ukrainian who challenges the undefeated Welshman Gavin Rees for his WBA version of the light-welterweight title at the Cardiff International Arena tonight, that he gave the WBC champion Junior Witter one of his most difficult nights when he was narrowly beaten in a European title fight three years ago.

Kotelnik, 30, is a typically well-schooled, East European-styled fighter. Working behind a decent jab, he is methodical albeit a little one-paced, and relies on stinging counter punches that bring success more through accuracy than brute force. In his third attempt to win a world title, Kotelnik comes into tonight's battle as the bookies' favorite.

Rees, 27, was fancied by few outside the Calzaghe gym, where he trains, to take the title when he challenged the tall Frenchman Souleymane M'baye last July. But he fought with self-belief and intensity to dominate the early phase of the contest and record a clear points win.

Standing only 5ft 3in, Rees uses his lack of stature well. His jab is an underrated weapon, but it was the barrage of hooks to the body that took a toll on M'baye, and a similar strategy is sure to be employed as Rees mounts high-speed attacks, looking to bring down the Ukrainian's high guard.

The Commonwealth lightweight champion Amir Khan is sure to be keeping a close watch, as he could step up a weight to fight Rees next. His public remark that "Rees' style is made for me" have angered the Welshman, and the promoter Frank Warren is already salivating over the interest a Rees-Khan world title fight might generate. First, Rees must win this one.

His trainer Enzo Calzaghe has warned: "It is easier to win a title than defend it. One of the reasons Joe has been a champion for so long [his son won the WBO title in 1997] is that he treats every fight as if he is the challenger. Gavin must forget about Amir and do the same."

As well as the Witter loss, Kotelnik was beaten on points by M'baye in 2004 and then fought a draw when he faced the Frenchman last year, although Kotelnik and his camp feel they got a bad decision. On that form Rees wins, but it will be close and a meticulously prepared Kotelnik will fancy taking a points decision.