Sheffield sensation Kell Brook has a simple message for top American prospect Mike Jones after seeing him fight at the weekend – let’s get it on. Jones held on to his unbeaten record in Texas, but needed a majority decision to get past Jesus Sotto Karass on the big Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito undercard. It left him on course for a WBO World Welterweight title clash with Brook in early 2011. “I’ve been looking at some fights of Jones and of course saw his fight at the weekend,” said Brook..
“He’s a good fighter but I don’t think I’ve got anything to fear from him.
“I’m within touching distance of that world title, and I’m very excited because I know that it’s going to be mine.”
Brook defends his WBO Intercontinental title on December 11 at the Liverpool Echo Arena against another American, Michael Clark.
And he’s hoping a sparkling performance will secure the showdown with Jones.
“I’ll knock Clark out early doors, and then Jones will have nowhere to hide,” said Brook.
“I’ve always said that I want to win a world title in style, and what better way to do it than by taking on an unbeaten American who is getting plenty of hype.
“Jones can box and he can punch, but he can’t beat me.”
Tickets for Monarch of the Glen, priced at £50, £75 and £100, are available from:
Braehead Arena
0844 499 1700
www.braehead-arena.co.uk
GERRARD TIPS SMITH IN DeGALE BATTLE
Kop king Steven Gerrard has backed Paul Smith to score a stunning KO on December 11.
Smith defends his British super-middleweight title against James DeGale in a mouthwatering clash at the Liverpool Echo Arena.
And close friend Gerrard believes he will still be champion at the end of the evening.
“Paul will do Liverpool proud, I’m sure of that,” said Gerrard.
“I’ve seen him fight plenty of times and he’s got the tools to beat DeGale.
“DeGale’s a class act, but you only have to spend a few minutes with Paul to see his desire.
“We keep in touch and I know Paul is a big supporter to me and the rest of the club so the least I can do is return that backing.
“We come from similar backgrounds and families and we’re both passionate sportsmen so that’s why we get along.”
Smith added: “I feel like the whole city is behind me for the DeGale fight.
“My first two British title fights were Merseyside derbies and they split Liverpool down the middle.
“But for this one everyone is behind me.
“People keep coming up to me in the street and saying how much they want me to win.
“That means a lot to me and makes me even more determined to keep hold of my belt.”
Tickets for the Return of the Magnificent Seven, priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250, are available from:
The Liverpool Echo Arena
0844 800 0400
www.echoarena.com
BURNS-APPLEBY SCOTTISH SUPER-FIGHT COULD HAPPEN NEXT YEAR
Ricky Burns and Paul Appleby could be heading towards a blockbuster showdown next year – the first time ever two Scotsmen would have fought each other for a world title.
The East coast-West coast rivals both feature at the Braehead Arena on Saturday 4th December with WBO World Super-featherweight champion Burns defending his title against Andreas Evensen, and Appleby challenging Joseph Lareya for the Vacant Intercontinental title as chief-support, live on Sky Sports 1HD.
A win for both men will keep them on course for a mouthwatering showdown that would certainly be the biggest fight ever seen in Scotland.
Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt’s epic battle in the early 70s for the British Lightweight title is the biggest all-Scottish affair so far, and more recently Scott Harrison and Alex Arthur were linked to a super-fight, but Burns v Appleby would be a huge history-making event.
Coatbridge scrapper Burns said, “I’ll fight anybody who is put in front and I’d take Appleby in a heartbeat. It’s a fight that everybody is talking about now that we are the same weight and he is fighting for a title on my undercard at Braehead. Of course the East coast-West coast rivalry comes into it and two Scots fighting for the world title for the first time in history would make it a massive event. I know I could beat Appleby, but Evensen is first and foremost on my mind at the moment and if I don’t beat him then there won’t be fight against Appleby so I’ve got to focus on beating Evensen first.”
Appleby, who hails from South Queensferry, said, “I’d love a fight against Burns – absolutely love it. People are stopping me in the street now and asking me when I’m going to get in on with Burns. Ricky’s a warrior and fought the best in the division to win the title, but against me he’d come out the loser. It’s a big fight, not only for Scottish boxing, but for British boxing as a whole. So much pride and passion would be on the line, I’m sure the country would come to a standstill if we fought!
Tickets for Monarch of the Glen, priced at £50, £75 and £100, are available from:
Braehead Arena
0844 499 1700
www.braehead-arena.co.uk