Liverpool lightweight John Watson will move one step closer to a British title shot on March 28 at the Echo Arena when he battles Martin Gethin over 10 rounds at HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’. An intriguing mix of pressure fighters, Watson and Gethin will meet in a British lightweight title eliminator. The moment can’t come soon enough for the ambitious Watson.
“I was told about the fight on the morning of our Liverpool press conference and, without even having to think about it, knew it was the right fight to take,” enthuses Watson.
“I want to go places in this sport and make a name for myself, and this is the kind of fight I need to start doing that.”
Currently 9-0 (4 KO), Watson – a former Senior ABA champion – has barely dropped a round, let alone fight in his two-year pro career. Boasting a relentless style and punishing body attack, the 25-year-old has already been earmarked as one of Liverpool’s best British title hopes.
On March 28, Watson will discover if his title ambitions are to become a reality or remain a mere pipe dream. In jumping from four-rounders to a potentially gruelling 10-rounder, Watson is eager to discover what’s ahead.
“In the past I’ve had four-rounders and people have always told me afterwards that they wanted to see more of me,” says Watson.
“Against Gethin I’ll probably just have to adapt from being a four-round fighter – which requires a really fast pace – and just settle down over the distance. It will be like going from a sprint to a marathon. I don’t want to do anything stupid and burn myself out in the first few rounds. I’ve got to be clever, take my time and not rush my work.
“This is now my chance to show just what I can do over 10 rounds. With it being an eliminator, I have even more incentive to put on a good show. I want a British title shot this year.”
Standing in the way of Watson’s British title plan is Walsall punch machine Gethin. A former English champion, Gethin can already claim the unbeaten scalps of John Fewkes and Nadeem Siddique on his 15-1-1 (7 KO) record. Never in a bad fight, Gethin could bring out the best in Watson.
“He’s all-action, has got a good work rate and obviously comes to fight,” assesses Watson. “It will make for a great fight for the Liverpool audience and all the people watching on Setanta Sports.
“There are a load of good fights on this card, but I think me and Gethin guarantees a good fight just based on our styles. You know what you’re going to get in this fight, whereas a fight like Ryan Rhodes against Anthony Small is a little harder to predict.”
Ultimately, Watson’s banker war with Gethin could provide the ideal dress rehearsal for bigger nights up ahead.
“It’s a good fight for me because Gethin’s a pressure fighter and so is John Murray, the British champion. So long as I come through Gethin, it will provide good preparation for the Murray fight down the road.
“I believe that if you’re good enough you’re ready enough. I feel good enough to box for the British title right now. I’m confident in my own ability and feel that, although the fight has come early in my career, it’s come at a time when I feel more than ready for it.”
With so much at stake on March 28, Watson is adamant he wants to do far more than just win. He wants to make a statement.
“I see myself outboxing Gethin, but also fighting him and beating him on the inside – at his game,” says Watson. “I want to beat him in every possible area. I don’t just want to go out there and beat him with a jab and movement. I want to dominate him and beat him for strength, power, speed and stamina. I want to look great over the 10 rounds.”
*** John Watson’s British title eliminator with Martin Gethin forms part of the undercard to HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ on March 28 at the Echo Arena. Headlining the show will be local lad Tony Dodson’s attempt to win back his old British title from Brian Magee, as well as Ryan Rhodes’ British title defence against Anthony Small.
*** To purchase tickets to HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ visit www.accliverpool.com or call 0844 8000 400.
RENDALL’S AIMING TO BE A KNOCKOUT
RENDALL MUNROE has promised to deliver a knockout performance when he defends his European super-bantamweight title against old rival Kiko Martinez at Barnsley Metrodome on Friday 27th February.
Munroe (17-1) caused one of the biggest ring upsets of 2008 last March when he outpointed the heavy handed Spaniard to claim the Euro crown.
And the Leicester binman has catapulted into the world rankings with three successful defences since his epic win over Martinez (20-1).
Southpaw Munroe, 28, said: “I am going to show everyone how much I have learned in this rematch.
“The only way to better what I did last time is to stop him and I think I can do that. If I get the chance, I will go for the knock-out.
“I know I surprised a lot of people when I outpointed him and now I’m planning to knock him out.”
Martinez, 22, has 12 wins inside three rounds on his record but Munroe is prepared for the challenger’s whirlwind start.
He added: “I know people think I’m a slow starter and Martinez has got a lot of quick knock-outs, so he’s going to come out with all guns blazing.
“He’s going to come out throwing bombs. He is a puncher..”
A special attraction on the show being televised by Sky Sports is the professional debut of Olympic light-heavyweight bronze medallist Tony Jeffries.
Also on the bill Munroe’s stable mate Derby’s Scott Haywood (19-2) challenges WBC ranked number three light welterweight Ajose Olusegun (25-0) for the Commonwealth light-welterweight title.
Tickets priced £35 and £75 are selling fast. You can order from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.
BRINKLEY AND GILBERT, PEP RALLY AND BOXING CLINIC ON THURSDAY IN RENO
Super middleweights Jesse Brinkley and Joey Gilbert will take a break on Thursday from preparing for their long awaited showdown at “CIVIL WAR” this Saturday night,
February 14th, to participate in “KID’S DAY in Reno, Nevada.
At 10am, Gilbert will be welcomed back to Bishop Manogue High School for a school wide Pep Rally from his alma mater. Gilbert graduated from Bishop Manogue HS in 1994. Said Gilbert, “I’m thrilled to return to my old high school and truly honored by their support for me as I prepare for this big fight with Jesse Brinkley.”
Bishop Manogue High School is located at 110 Bishop Manogue Dr. in Reno.
Brinkley will display his boxing skills in a kids clinic at the The Reno Boys and Girls Club at 4pm. The Reno Boys and Girls Club is located at 2680 E. 9th St. in Reno, NV. “I’m glad to take a break from the training and media obligations this week and spend some time with kids who have taken an interest in boxing” said Brinkley.
Advance tickets are still available for “CIVIL WAR” at the Reno Events Center Box Office and through Ticketmaster.