Press release: Both challengers on the Hennessy Sports "Trailblazers" event at the Nottingham Arena on Saturday night had to make two trips to the scales at the official weigh-in on Friday afternoon. Matthew Barney, who takes on standout British and Commonwealth champion Carl Froch, was the first to step on. The Southampton man came in a fraction over the 12 stone barrier, despite stripping completely off. "That was a bit unprofessional," Froch said afterwards, who scaled bang on the limit to a raucous reception.

"Plus he looked like something the cat dragged in." Froch added: "I don"t like Barney's whole shape up around this fight. I think he is going to come and try and pickpocket a decision with his usual hit and run tactics." "If he does think that then he has another thing coming. I will just trap him in a corner or on the ropes and unleash hell." Barney's second trip to the scales proved more successful, as did Andreas Kotelnik's. The Ukrainian, who challenges European light welterweight champion Junior Witter, was a pound and a half over the 10 stone limit at the first attempt. "Seeing that he struggled slightly to make the weight obviously makes me feel slightly more confident," said Witter, who also received massive cheers, afterwards. "But I am always confident, I am always comfortable with what I do. Come tomorrow night its my time to shine again."