Kell Brook says he will “smash” Matthew Hatton in Saturday night’s War of the Roses clash at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield – and there are only 300 tickets left to watch them settle the debate on the number one welterweight in Britain. Tickets have flown out the door for the blockbuster night, which is televised live on Sky Sports 1, HD1 and in 3D from 9pm. Brook and Hatton’s clash closes an action-packed night of title action with Carl Frampton defending his Commonwealth super bantamweight belt against Prosper Ankrah, Greg Proksa defending his European middleweight strap against Kerry Hope and Lee Purdy and Adnan Amar battling for the vacant English welterweight crown..
Team GB star Scotty Cardle makes his highly anticipated professional debut, exciting middleweight prospects John Ryder and Ryan Aston face tough nights with Alistair Warren and Lee Noble respectively, and the night begins with a potential barnstormer between Sheffield’s own Wayne Reed takes on Commonwealth Gold medallist Eamonn O’Kane.
For Brook, it’s the biggest night of his career as he headlines his hometown’s biggest venue aiming to move to 26-0 against the former unbeaten European champion. The 25 year-old is confident that he will beat Hatton in style to reward the fans who will pack into the Arena on Saturday to roar him towards a World title shot.
“I’m so pleased that it’s going to be a sell out,” said Brook. “It’s going to be buzzing and I really can’t wait. I’m mentally and physically prepared and these last few weeks I’ve worked harder than ever before.
“People talk about there being pressure on me but I thrive off that. I’m going to show the boxing world why they call me Special and produce an electric performance against Hatton.”
Hatton hopes to crash Brook’s party on Saturday and celebrate a special night of his own as he laces the gloves up for his 50th pro fight.
“I was confident ten weeks ago at the first press conference and now I’m even more convinced that I can win this fight,” said Hatton. “I expect a long, tough fight that which will be great for the fans.”
Show promoter Eddie Hearn is urging fight fans to snap up the remaining tickets to make sure they don’t miss out on a special evening in the Steel City.
“Some people don’t believe how many tickets we’ve sold, but they will see on Sky Sports on Saturday that the arena will be rocking,” said Hearn. “Ticket sales have been incredible and we have only 300 left – if you haven’t got your ticket yet, you need to be fast as this will be a night to remember and one true boxing fans will want to say ‘I was there’.”
“It’s going to be an electric night with an electric atmosphere and I’m sure the fight will be will live up to that. All the hard work is done; both fighters are at the peak and are ready to go. The weigh in is at 1pm tomorrow and we are hoping for a big turnout from the fans at Meadowhall at 1.30pm.
“Shows like this are the future of British boxing, they give fans a night to remember as well as fantastic value for money. These two fighters have been shining examples for British boxing and are great examples to any young kids watching.”
The remaining tickets for the ‘War of the Roses’ plus a full championship undercard now remain priced £30 and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield Box Office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk. £40, £60 and £150 VIP tickets have now sold-out.
Brook a big favorite to beat Hatton on Saturday
KELL BROOK’S winning run looks set to continue with victory over Matthew Hatton in Sheffield on Saturday night, according to the betting on Betfair. The undefeated welterweight star is the big odds-on favourite at 1-9 to retain his British and WBA inter-continental titles.
Punters on the betting exchange don’t fancy Hatton’s chances against the unbeaten Brook. Odds of 17-2 suggest that Hatton, 30, could mark his 50th career fight with defeat at the Motor Point Arena this weekend.
Brook, with 18 stoppages in 26 fights, is an 11-8 chance to win the fight by knockout, while he can be backed at 6-5 to triumph by way of judges’ decision. Hatton is out at 12-1 to win the match by knockout and by judges’ decision.
Betfair’s Alex Bake said: “There’s no doubt this is going to be a huge fight. Brook has the upper-hand in many respects; he’s younger, boasts the perfect record and has home advantage. Our customers seem to think it will be a fairly one sided affair and they’re backing the Yorkshireman to come out on top.”
Brook vs. Hatton – Betfair bet: 1-9 Brook, 17-2 Hatton, 64-1 the draw
Method of victory – Betfair bet: 6-5 Brook decision, 11-8 Brook KO, 12-1 Hatton decision; Hatton KO