SCOTT WELCH is predicting an explosive battle when heavyweight Nick Webb meets David Allen in a British title eliminator on Saturday night.

Unbeaten Webb is co-trained and managed by Brighton's former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Welch and hoping to follow in his mentor's footsteps to a crack at world honours.

Both fighters have taken the clash at short notice on the Matchroom Sky-televised show at the O2 London which is headlined by Dillian Whyte against Joseph Parker.

Webb has a perfect 12-0 record while 'White Rhino' Allen, 26, has 13 wins from his 19 fights and will be a step up in a class.

But Welch believes Webb is ready for the next step after the disappointment of missing out on a showdown with former amateur opponent Joe Joyce, the Olympic super-heavyweight silver medallist and Commonwealth heavyweight gold winner.

Welch said: "We agreed the Joe Joyce fight and signed the contract and sent it back.

"It was a risky fight for us. We ummed and aahed but we felt if we took it then it would give us everything we need.

"It would have been good publicity and Nick would have put up a hell of a fight because he is a warrior.

"We felt whatever happened we could come out in a better position after it but Joyce pulled for whatever reason.

"So Joyce is probably a bigger fight further down the road but Nick has got to come through this with flying colours and then we're back on track and on the big shows.

"That's exactly what we wanted so this is everything we have been aiming for."

He added: "This is where Nick wants to be and I think this is where he should be. This is what we have been working towards."

Webb knows getting past the White Rhino is key to his future plans and will not be underestimating the popular Doncaster fighter.

He said: "David is a fighting man and always takes it to his opponents so I'm expecting a war. He's as tough as they come but if I connect cleanly with anyone, it's lights out for them.

"A win on such a huge platform against a popular fighter like Allen will really catapult my name to the top of the heavyweight mix."

Welch reckons Allen will try to force an early win.

"He's a very tough kid," said Welch.

"He has movement as well, and I like what he brings to a fight.

"Allen goes two ways - he either comes out bombing trying to bang his opponent out, or he tends to take his time against the better class of opponent.

"On this fight, it's short notice for both boxers so I think it is going to be an explosive little match up for the time it lasts."

Webb has sparred with the likes of Whyte, who was taken the distance by Allen, and Dereck Chisora, who is also on the card against Carlos Takam.

Welch said: "Nick's in a good frame of mind. He is a confident man anyway.

"In all the sparring I've seen him do, he's more than held his own with the likes of Whyte and Chisora, and that's all you can ask.

"We here, we're happy and this is where he has to go out and showcase what he can do.

"With Matchroom behind us, then we can achieve what we would like to achieve with their backing."