Boxing: Double bill and Benn

NIGEL BENN and Pat Clinton will defend their world titles on the same bill at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow on 6 March.

Benn will meet Mario Galvano, the Italian he defeated in October to become the World Boxing Council super-middleweight champion, while Clinton makes his second defence of the World Boxing Organisation flyweight crown against 'Baby' Jake Matlala of South Africa, who at 4ft 10 1/2 in tall is the world's smallest professional fighter.

Yesterday, Benn launched the ritual pre-fight war of words by promising to give Galvano a 'good hiding' by way of revenge for incidents during the first bout when Galvano's corner tried to have the fight declared null and void by failing to treat a cut they claimed was caused by illegal contact.

Benn alleged yesterday that he had been spat at, had coins thrown at him and was subjected to racial taunts. 'I was depressed for weeks afterwards and can't wait until he gets here, so I can give him a good hiding,' he said.

Pat Barrett, who failed in his attempt to win the WBO welterweight title last July, has withdrawn from next month's bout with the World Boxing Association champion, Crisanto Espana. He said that various police charges against him, including an alleged assault on a Manchester nightclub doorman, had upset his concentration.