Hereford'S British featherweight boxing champion Darren 'Dazzo' Williams is counting down the hours to the biggest fight of his career.

Tonight (Thursday) at Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, Williams will be stepping into the ring to take on reigning champion Nicky Cook for the European and Commonwealth titles.

Thirty-one-year-old Williams goes into the ring as underdog against the impressive Cook who will start as a strong favourite after winning all of his previous 24 bouts.

The Dagenham fighter last defended his European title against Johnny Begue in October with a win on points after 12 rounds. Fourteen of his 24 fights have, however, been decided by a knock-out.

Williams should not lack in confidence, though, as the proud possessor of a Lonsdale belt after three successful defences of the British title he won from Roy Rutherford in Belfast back in November 2003.

He has defeated Jamie McKeever and Rutherford, again, with the last defence, against Scottish challenger John Simpson, in front of an enthusiastic and partisan crowd at Hereford Leisure Centre last November.

The crowd is likely to be enthusiastic and partisan again tonight, but not in Williams' favour as Cook has exercised his right as champion to have the fight on home territory.

But London-born Williams is likely to have some backing for the bout, which will be televised live on Sky TV.

"We have sold around 80 tickets," said Williams' wife Kate. "Darren is looking forward to it and is in the best shape I've seen him in before a fight.

"I'm the one who gets nervous - I've lost half-a-stone in the lead-up to the fight."

Williams, who travelled up to London earlier in the week for the weigh-in yesterday (Wednesday), said: "I shall be going for the win but I respect Nicky Cook as a boxer and I hope he feels the same about me."