CHAMPION boxer Bradley Pryce (pictured) is to appear in court on an assault charge - just 48 hours before the biggest fight of his life.

Pryce, who is training hard in an attempt to take the British welterweight title, is alleged to have attacked his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Godwin.

The 21-year-old, of Cwmcarn, was arrested this week after presenting himself at Newport Central Police Station.

He is due to appear before Newport magistrates on January 30 - two days before his first fight for a British title in Belfast, when he challenges Ulsterman Neil Sinclair in a bid to win the welterweight title.

Rachel Godwin, 31, has accused her former lover of assaulting her during a row.

Police Constable Chris Wright, of Alway, said: "As a result of an allegation received Mr Pryce was detained by police, interviewed and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"He has been released on bail to attend Newport magistrates court on January 30 when the charges will be put to him."

Last night Pryce told the Argus: "At the moment I am in training for this big fight and I am trying to put everything else as far in thebackground as possible. I am sure we can sort things out and get on with our lives. Right know I'm just focused on getting into the ring and winning."

Trained by world champion Joe Calzaghe's father Enzo, Pryce has made a remarkable professional recovery after suffering his first professional defeat last August.

He moved up a weight and earned his title shot by storming to a fourth round victory over Craig Lynch in Derby last November.

Out of the ring Pryce made headlines in 2001 after PC Christopher Timmins had to resign from the Gwent force for an unprovoked attack on the boxer. Timmins was convicted of assaulting Pryce on April 11, 2001, after spotting him throwing a carton of chips at a group of people in Newport.