Merton's police boss has been training hard for the fight of his life next week.    

Detective Chief Superintendent, Darren Williams, the borough commander, will be coming out of boxing retirement after 27 years to take on two-times World Heavyweight Champion Tim "the terrible" Witherspoon in a charity bout - the Night of Champions.

Tim Witherspoon said: "I am going to hit Darren Williams with everything I've got and put a sign over his eyes that says "closed for the weekend", but the main purpose of this event is to raise money for cancer"

But Darren Williams said: "I have been training for this for four months and so physically I think I am ready but every so often an bell rings in my head.

"The night is going to be an amazing event and the organiser, Graham Smith has done a magnificent job pulling it together. 

"There are going to be so many former world champions there that it will be a who's who of boxing greats.

"To be given the Main Event billing is very special and I will give it everything I have"

Both were sparring at the Spit and Sawdust boxing gym in Surbiton last week, for the October 12 fight at the Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk in London and will raise funds for Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Charity.

Det Supt Williams has also just returned from a three-day charity cycle from London to Paris, to raise £10,000 for the Falconwood Respite Centre in Kent.

For more information about the Night of Champions email marsdenboxing@aol.com or call 07718 629141.