MEDWAY boxer Johnny Armour continues preparations this week for his first world title defence after returning from a gruelling training camp in Tenerife.

The WBU bantamweight champion heads for Liverpool this weekend as he builds up for the biggest fight of his career against Francis Ampofo on Saturday, May 11.

The Chatham-based fighter said: "It was very hard but it went well. We were doing six rounds of sparring with Gary Lockett and Peter Culshaw but it felt like 12 because of the heat. We also did a lot of running. The trainers dropped us off seven miles away from Mount Teidi and it was a hard run back because the air was so thin.

But I'm glad I went because I feel fitter than ever."

He stressed: "I know I can beat him again and I'll be putting on a good show for the Sky viewers.”