Oxford University coach Des Brackett says his team go into Tuesday night’s Varsity Match with Cambridge as underdogs.

The Dark Blues have won the last three encounters, but only one of last year’s team remain for the nine-bout contest at Old Billingsgate Market, London (8pm).

Heavyweight Peter Anderson was victorious as Oxford won 7-2 in 2008, but it is unlikely they will find things so easy this time.

Brackett said: “I was hoping to have a lot of old Blues, but most are doing their finals and didn’t feel they could give it enough time.

“We’ll go there with confidence, it’s the only way.

“Realistically we are the underdogs.

“But on the night, if the boys perform to their ability, and listen to their instructions, we can pull off a victory.”

Alongside the main men’s event, there is also a three-bout women’s contest.

Brackett said: “I think I have picked the best team. There was competition for places.

“We lost one boxer, Gideon Elford, a middleweight, to a hand injury.

“This past week is the time when I really start psyching them up.”

Oxford’s last outing was a 7-4 win at Trinity College, Dublin.

Brackett said: “We hope to bring them back over here next year. They were briliant hosts out there.”

Cambridge have named two returning Blues in their side in Will Rees (63kg) and Rob Chapman (67kg).

“This year Cambridge are really confident,” said Brackett. “You see that from their website.

“I am a lot happier now because I thought they would be bringing back most of their Blues.”