Matchroom Boxing matchmakers have been busily preparing their final bill of the year, which will include two mouthwatering world title clashes at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Saturday.

Grays welterweight Darren Bruce will have an opportunity to go for the IBO world title, against American Willy Wise, and WBF light middleweight champion Steve Roberts, who hails from Romford, will be in action against Frenchman Mohammed Hissani.

For Bruce, an IBO Inter Continental champion, this could be his best chance to break into the big time, even though he will be making his ring return after an enforced 10-month lay-off caused by a hand injury.

It will not be an easy comeback. Wise is recognised as a top American welterweight who has the scalp of Julio Cesar Chavez on his curriculum vitae.

Looking to record his 22nd consecutive victory, the unbeaten Roberts is sure of a huge following at York Hall as he bids to firmly establish himself on world scene.

Like Bruce, Roberts is a cultured performer and hopes are high that wins on the night for both men will serve to further enhance their already growing reputations.

On the undercard, light middleweight Richard Williams, who will be looking to follow on from his fourth round knockout of Howard Clarke earlier this month, will be taking part in a six round contest against Frenchman Aziz Daari.

However, fans of the exciting Barking featherweight, Marc P. Callaghan, will be disappointed to learn he has been withdrawn from the bill owing to illness.

This bill had at first been planned for Wembley Conference Centre but was switched to York Hall when the original top of the bill contest between IBO lightweight champion Michael Ayers and Wayne Rigby, failed to materialise.

For ticket details, contact Matchroom Boxing on 01708 782208.

Defending champion: Steve Roberts, left, seen here on his way to securing the WBF title against Scott Dixon in August, will be defending his title on Saturday evening.

By Ivan Sage

Reporter's e-mail: ivan.sage@essex-chronicle.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.