Albion captain Charlie Oatway carries the fight to his old club Cardiff at Withdean tonight.

He packs a punch in midfield and now he is making sure his ten-year-old son does the same.

Charlie Oatway junior attends sessions twice a week at a local boxing club.

He is learning the ropes of the Noble Art with Southwick Savages in a gym just off Shoreham High Street.

Oatway senior explained: "I just wanted to get him into one of the boxing clubs. A friend of mine found out about it and we have been taking our boys there for months.

"My best mate was a boxer. I used to go and watch him train and I always wanted to do it as well, but it clashed with my football.

"As soon as Charlie was old enough he was going, no matter what. I wanted him to learn discipline and self control.

"The first few times I don't think he was too keen, but now he loves it. I've already ordered him his own gloves and headguard."

Savages' spokesman Keith Funnell regards Oatway as a promising pugilist.

"He hasn't competed yet, but he has got a lot of natural ability and he is pretty fit," said Funnell. "He is only small and light, but at that age they have no fear."

Oatway junior is football crazy as well. He was Albion's mascot when they tackled his father's beloved Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Boxing Day.

He will also be at Withdean tonight as the Seagulls, battered to the canvas by Brentford last week, bid to floor the Welshmen.

Boxing or football? It's a split decision as far as dad is concerned.

"He loves football," Oatway senior said. "He is more into it than boxing, but he will be boxing for at least a year or two. I want him to know how to look after himself.

"It's a hard life at times in the Second and Third Divisions. People don't realise. They think you are earning bundles of money, but it's not as easy as that.

"If he makes it and plays in the Premiership then good luck to him, but I wouldn't want him to see some of the heartache that I have.

"It's a good life in another sense, training until 12 or 12.30 and then back home with your family, but sometimes it's a little bit harder than you think.

"I would rather he gets his qualifications at school, then if he doesn't do a sport he can get a good job.

"A boxer? I would love him to be, what ever he wants to do."

Southwick Savages are trying to hook a sponsor. Anyone interested in helping can contact Keith Funnell at the gym on Brighton 206532.

ALBION have received a request from Reading to move their rearranged visit to Withdean on Tuesday February 12.

The Division Two leaders were due to play at Swindon the following Saturday, but that match has now been brought forward 48 hours for live coverage on ITV sport.

Frost forced the postponement of Reading's trip to Withdean on the original date of December 14.