Danny Butler is predicting a "war" when he renews his rivalry with Carl Drake next month.

The West Country rivals will contest the vacant Western Area middleweight title on Ricky Hatton's latest promotional venture at Bristol's city centre Marriott Hotel on Saturday, March 14.

And if history is anything to go by, Butler thinks fans will be in for a treat.

Butler and Drake fought themselves to a standstill at the same venue when they fought in September 2007. Although Butler narrowly won, Plymouth-based Drake still disputes that decision.

"Because of what happened last time, there's going to be a real edge to this fight," promised Butler, who has lost just one of his 16 paid outings since joining the professional ranks three years ago.

"He's been saying I didn't really beat him and that he's going to put the record straight.

"I know Drake will be right up for this one and it's going to be a war. Neither of us was prepared to give an inch in the first fight and I can see this going the same way."

Both fighters have improved since then, Butler going on to make a high-profile appearance on Sky TV's Prizefighters Series last year and winning the British Masters super middleweight championship.

He said: "I've learned a lot since then and I'm a much better boxer now.

Drake has also improved and he showed that by stopping Simon Fleck last time out.

"I think it will be a great fight, but I expect my boxing ability to see me through."