SOUTHAMPTON'S world champion Matthew Barney has issued a challenge to double super-middleweight world title holder Sven Ottke.

Barney, who holds the WBU light-heavyweight crown, is frustrated that he has not been able to make a defence since winning the title from Portsmouth's Tony Oakey in October, and is now chasing the unbeaten German WBA and IBF title holder.

Barney, who has recently split from manager Eugene Maloney, said: "I need a fight. We are talking to the Germans and it might mean boxing abroad - but I would love to fight him.

"I know it is difficult to get a points decision in Germany, but I think I could out-box him in every round and leave no room for doubt."

Courage passes gut test

EASTLEIGH boxer Sam Courage proved that he is every inch his surname with a thrilling amateur debut.

The 14-year-old was taking on Poole's Pete Giles, who was also fighting in his first bout.

The first round was explosive, with both throwing great leads and scoring well, although Giles was the more aggressive.

In the second, Courage pushed forward on the advice of coaches Tony Marsh and Dean Bailey and found his range.

Both boxers forced each other on the ropes and into the corners as the crowd rose to their feet.

The third was about sheer guts and determination as both fought off exhaustion to keep the combinations going.

The end of the fight saw Giles catch Courage with a flurry of leads, forcing the referee to give a standing count which helped the Poole boxer eventually take a narrow decision.