By Jake Donovan
It’s safe to say that Kell Brook and Carson Jones won’t resolve any of their differences until they meet in the ring this Saturday night.
A final press conference was held Wednesday at Napoleon’s Casino in Sheffield, where the fighters sat merely one chair apart from each other while speaking to the media. Promoter Eddie Hearn was all that separated two, who have spent the past several weeks trashing one another through the media.
The promoter found the backdrop for the mid-week presser to be a fitting location, considering what’s at stake in Saturday’s main event at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.
“We’re in a casino today because this is a gamble for both of them,” Hearn quipped of the 12-round welterweight main event, which airs live on Sky Sports. “When you reach this stage in their career, every fight is a big fight. Every fight is a must-win fight.”
No official title shot is at stake, although both fighters are on the cusp of alphabet glory. Brook (27-0, 19KO) has advanced from prospect to contender in the past 12 months, posting wins over a trio of former champs and challengers in Lovemore N’Dou, Rafal Jackiewicz and Matthew Hatton.
Jones (34-8-2, 24KO) has been on a tear since dropping down to welterweight. The American spoiler has won seven straight – all by knockout – in literally fighting his way up the rankings.
A career spent accepting any challenge regardless of the amount of notice given, Jones has no concerns about traveling to Brook’s hometown. The bout marks his first fight outside of the United States, but the 25-year old still views it as just another day in the office.
“We’ve trained hard for this fight. I haven’t done anything different in this training camp,” Jones insisted on Wednesday. “I don’t care if I’m fighting you (repeats and randomly points to multiple reporters); I’m training like I’m fighting Floyd Mayweather.”
Jones then literally turned his attention to his opponent, dismissing Brook’s credentials as well as his chances on Saturday night.
"This guy over here, he hasn’t in the ring with anyone like me and I feel bad for him on July 7. “Look at me,” Jones demanded. “I feel sorry for you on July 7!”
Not to be outdone, Brook made sure to have the last word in the final battle behind the mic. The 26-year old is brimming with confidence as he heads into his second straight hometown showcase, fresh on the heels of his near-shutout of Matthew Hatton this past March.
“I had a wonderful training camp. Dominic (Ingle) has definitely put me through it in the gym. I’m well-prepared for this fight,” Brook stated before focusing on Jones. “I noticed Carson has slimmed down. That big head of his hasn’t trimmed down. We’re going to beat that big head of his; we’re going to beat it into him.
“I don’t like the kid and I can’t wait to knock your ass out. You’ve been beat before; I don’t even think I’ve lost a round. You sure ain’t going to touch me.”
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
