Lee Haskins is refusing to be drawn into a war of words with bitter rival Don Broadhurst.

Bristol's British super-flyweight champion puts his belt on the line against the Birmingham-based Commonwealth boss in a winner-takes-all contest at the Newport Centre on Friday, December 11.

And Broadhurst has had plenty to say about his opponent since promoter Frank Maloney won the purse bids to stage the battle of Britain's best little men over the Severn Crossing in Wales.

The outspoken former Commonwealth Games gold medallist has goaded Haskins in the past, but chose this week to deliver his harshest broadside yet.

"There is animosity between us," claimed Broadhurst, who remains undefeated in 11 paid outings.

"It's unfortunate for him that I have taken a bit of a dislike to him now. At the start, I just wanted the British title.

"I don't like his attitude. He has got far too much to say for himself. He's far too cocky. I want to shut him up for good.

"I hope Lee brings his best game on the night, because I don't want there to be any excuses afterwards."

For someone with too much to say for himself, Haskins has been surprisingly quiet, preferring to maintain a dignified silence and focus on his preparations as befits a champion who has already made a successful defence of the Lonsdale Belt he won when out-boxing Andy Bell in Wigan 12 months ago.

But the Bristolian's manager and trainer, Chris Sanigar, could not allow Broadhurst's sniping to go unanswered.

He said: "It's a shame when one boxer feels he has to come out and talk about another in this way.

"Lee Haskins is a worthy British champion and Don is showing a lack of respect. If he thinks it will affect Lee, then he had better think again. Lee is too experienced to get dragged into that kind of thing.

"He'll let his boxing do his talking for him in the ring on December 11."

Sanigar admits enmity between the two champions is adding spice to what already promises to be an enthralling contest.

He said: "This is the kind of exciting fight we haven't had for a while and I think a lot of people are looking forward to seeing who will come out on top.

"We have an excellent venue not far from Bristol, we have Sky TV and we have two young fighters putting their titles on the line. It all adds up to something special."