Pat Brown expecting more lurcher than Jack Russell from John Hedges

Pat Brown is wisely expecting the very best John Hedges when they meet for the vacant British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles.

The two young prospects will risk their undefeated records Saturday at Manchester’s Co-op LIVE, with Sale’s Brown, 6-0 (6 KOs), facing Hedges, 12-0 (3 KOs), in the hardest challenge of both their careers. Brown believes the British title will bring an extra level of intensity from both men, and has prepared diligently for the 6ft 6ins southpaw from Essex, England.

“I really have done everything in this camp, so I can sit back and happily look forward to the fight,” said Brown, 26, at Thursday’s press conference. “The British title, it brings a dog out in people doesn’t it. That is what’s going to happen Saturday. I know it will bring a dog out in John, whether that will be a Jack Russell, or a lurcher like he’s built, I don’t know. I’m expecting a lurcher; long, fast, I’m expecting the best version of John Hedges.

“This is going to be a barnstormer. People go on like I’m one-dimensional and stuff like that, but my two sparring partners for the Olympics were Damar Thomas and Isaac Okoh. They’ve gone on to win Commonwealth medals. They’re two long, rangy southpaws. I know this style well. I know the pro game is completely different, I’ve had six fights but the opposition I’ve been in with aren’t journeymen. I've been in with some good lads... Saturday night I’m coming in with full force.”

Hedges seemed a little in awe of the stage at the UK’s largest indoor arena this Saturday, admitting his career hopes fell much shorter than headlining at a 20,000 seat venue.

“Coming here, Co-op LIVE, this is absolutely crazy,” said 24-year-old Hedges. “Lifelong dream to get anywhere close to this, never mind doing it myself. I’ve been in the game a long time, since I was five years old, there’s different dreams in the boxing world, but believe me when I say I was happy to fight on telly and walk away. That was the kind of mentality I had. I’ve never really backed myself, but slowly, slowly I’ve started winning fights, getting through them with ease, and now look, I’m here.

“I’ve had 12 fights now, barely lost a round, if I turn up that’s exactly what I’ll do on Saturday night.”