OXFORD University captain James Webster has been delighted with his side's preparation as they bid to retain the Truelove Bowl at York Hall, Bethnall Green tonight.

The 21-year-old modern history student is fighting as a heavyweight this year, and his final bout, against Cambridge skipper Ed Andrews, could be a highlight - as well as a potential decider.

Webster said: "I would say the mood is quite buoyant at the moment.

"We have had a very good season. Everyone has performed well in the local shows.

"One of the oldest members of the club said it was probably the best team in terms of atmosphere that he had known.

"Everyone is training harder than before and is in better shape than ever before.

"It's a massive event and everyone is very excited about it.

"The York Hall is a venue where 99 per cent of us will never get the chance to box again.

"Competition for places has been harder than before and that's partly due to it being at the York Hall, but it is also a very strong squad.

"We have got a good relationship with the coaches and they are massively dedicated, which is vital."

Tonight's proceedings will get under way with a curtain-raiser involving women's captain Kate Stinson.

Although the bout will not count towards the final score, Webster is hoping that the emergence of women's boxing will lead to more recognition.

"Hopefully in the future they may have their own ladies match, but at the moment it's about keeping it ticking over," he said.

Like most of the Oxford team, Webster had not done much boxing before coming to university, but has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I was president of the club last year, which saw a major change in atmosphere," he said.

"We had our first victory for four years.

"To have the opportunity to be captain this year is a massive honour and a privilege, especially as it is the 100th match."

He added: "A lot of outsiders seem to view our training as particularly intense. We are often training twice a day.

"Compared to the rugby club, we certainly train a lot more.

"We are lucky this year that we have so many people that are committed and get up at 7am to go on the track, even when it's snowing." Boxing is normally an individual sport.

But Webster said: "Here it is very much a team effort. I think it is that ethos that helps us train so hard.

"It's the support of everyone else that helps us through."

What will the Dark Blues know about their opposition?

"You have got an idea of how many bouts they have fought, but not that much else," said Webster.

"Everyone has their own style, but you adapt that to the way your opponent is fighting."

Webster and Brackett will deliver a motivational speech before the match, but should they win, Oxford' skipper may not be able to celebrate too hard.

He said: "I need to give my thesis in the day after the Varsity Match, so there is a little bit of pressure there."