Danny Butler will have the backing of the British Army when he goes into battle against English middleweight champion Darren McDermott at the Fenton Manor Centre in Stoke tonight.

Bristol's rising boxing star will be roared on at ringside by more than 100 travelling supporters, while many more well wishers will tune into Sky TV's coverage to follow events as they unfold in the Potteries.

But Butler's biggest support will come from Afghanistan where his brother, Adam, is serving with the Royal Engineers.

"It will be a massive help knowing that he's behind me," said Butler, who will be bidding to add the English title to the Western Area and British Masters championship belts he collected earlier in the year.

"You cannot compare what I'm doing with what he does. To be honest, he's an inspiration to me and I'm desperate to win the title and give him something to smile about all those miles away."

Adam, 26, today sent a message of support to his younger brother via the Post.

It read: "Good luck to you Danny. Me and the lads out here will be supporting you and wishing you all the best. I know you can do it."

Butler revealed: "Adam will be able to follow the fight on the internet if things are quiet where he is.

"All of his mates are rooting for me as well and it's great knowing I have people like that behind me. Adam watches all of my fights when he's back home, but obviously can't be here for this one.

"Just knowing he's thinking about me and willing me to win will be enough."

Butler has also received messages of support from his eldest brother, Martin, a serving soldier currently on duty in Northern Ireland.

He said: "My brothers may not be able to come to Stoke to see me box, but I'll be on the phone to them as soon as I can after it's all over. I'm determined to give them good news."

Victory over 31-year-old Midlander McDermott will propel Butler into the top 10 of the British Board of Control rankings and move him a crucial step closer to a shot at the British title.

He confirmed: "McDermott is rated number six, is an experienced fighter and has been in with the best in the division.

"This is the type of fight that will open doors for me if I win. It's definitely the biggest fight of my career and I'm in the shape of my life.

"I'm really excited and just want to get in the ring and get on with it now."