LOCAL HOPES Colin Lynes and Michael Grant are looking forward to a tough test in the quarter-finals of the Prizefighter Light-Welterweights competition at the National Hall, Olympia, next week, writes LEN WHALEY. Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Junior, reg

LOCAL HOPES Colin Lynes and Michael Grant are looking forward to a tough test in the quarter-finals of the Prizefighter Light-Welterweights competition at the National Hall, Olympia, next week, writes LEN WHALEY.

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Junior, regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, made the draw which was broadcast on Sky Sports.

Whitechapel-born Lynes (pictured left) faces Manchester's David Barnes in a battle of British champions, while Grant meets former European lightweight king Jason Cook.

Lynes has set his sights on the top prize of �32,000 when the show takes place on Friday, December 4 at Olympia.

However, the 3l-year-old campaigner, in the stable of successful trainer Paul Cook, knows he will be facing one of his top rivals when he meets Barnes, who has lost just once in 25 pro fights, and has earned title success at light-welterweight and welterweight.

"Its a tough draw," said trainer Cook this week, "I thought the two could well meet in the final on the night, but now Colin will have to beat Barnes in his first fight."

Despite the draw, Lynes is confident: "I'm going to win it. Definitely," he said. "I know what I'm capable of and I'm doing it in the gym. I'm always looking forward and it's the best Prizefighter line-up with former World, European and British Champions taking part."

It could be quite a week in the Lynes family, for his wife Kelly is due to give birth next week, they already have one daughter - 12-year-old Cortney.

"The baby is due any time, so you can bet that it will be the day before Prizefighter," said the former British and European Champion.

"But we will get around it and I'll be there at the birth no matter what. But it's not a distraction to me at all.

"I'm a family man and would be unhappy if I was away from it all. It will spur me on as I've got to win as the family is getting bigger."

Meanwhile, in east London, at trainer Johnny Eames' Ultrachem TKO Gym, they are confident that their late entry into the competition, Michael Grant, can cause an upset on the night.

Grant is younger and less experienced than most of his rivals at the tournament, but aims to upset former European lightweight champion Cook in the opening fight of the tournament, then go on to earn some more big-name scalps on the night.

With just 13 pro fights on his record, it is clearly a gamble for Grant, but he knows that victory next week will give his career it's biggest boost.

Prizefighter draw

Quarter-finals: Michael Grant v Jason Cook, Ted Bami v Gamin Reest, Colin Lynes v David Barnes and Young Muttley v Barrie Jones.

Semi-finals: Michael Grant or Jason Cook v Ted Bami or Gamin Reest. Colin Lynes or David Barnes v Young Muttley or Barrie Jones.

Tickets are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.