Joe Rose went head-to-head with Stephen McKenna during an open training session ahead of this weekend’s match.
The pair are due to box on the undercard of the Zak Sherri v Callum Simpson bout at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium. Sky Sports.
At the event in the town centre on Thursday, Mr Rose confronted Mr McKenna and the pair got into an argument, forcing security guards to separate them.
But McKenna held off his opponent. “I know he’s scared,” McKenna said. Sky Sports.
“I can feel it from afar. He’s scared. He’s afraid. He sees how big I am. He knows what’s going to happen eventually. He’s going to be put through the mincer on Saturday night.”
“You can see it in his eyes. He’s like a deer in the headlights. He’s just talking out of pure fear. Now that the fight is finally coming up, he’s starting to understand why my odds are so high and why everyone is saying he’ll get knocked out.”
His extra confidence is rooted in his preparation, which included sparring with pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford ahead of this bout.
“Crawford is really hard to spar with because of who he is and what he can do. He’s a very dangerous fighter. He does four-minute rounds in sparring, so I do four-minute rounds as well,” McKenna said.
“I get why he’s one of the best fighters in the world and I rate him No. 1 pound-for-pound, but having gone through that and then fighting Joe Rose, I feel really comfortable and at ease.”
Now McKenna is motivated to finish this fight with a flourish.
“He likes to get in the middle of the ring and it’s going to be a big fuss. He’s going to get what he wants. I’m a puncher and I’m someone who can box,” the Irishman said.
“I’m going for the knockout in the first round. I always go for the knockout, but this time I’m going for the first round.”
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Zach Cheri has warned Callum Simpson to “prepare for a night of pain” ahead of Saturday night’s highly anticipated match.
But Rose insisted he was looking forward to the fight. “I’m ready, I’m ready,” he said. Sky Sports.
“I’m ready to shock the world. This is boxing, this is life: to test yourself and to be the underdog.”
As for the scary idea, Rose firmly dismisses it: “I’m not scared of anybody,” she says. “I’ve had more fights than he’s had a hot dinner.”
“I know what I know,” he continued. “My pride is worth more than any paycheck. I’m here to win.”
Then, laughing, he added: “Hit me more times than he hits me and don’t get knocked out, and I win!”
Sky Sports+ will be launched in August this year. Sky TVstreaming services now The Sky Sports app will also allow Sky Sports customers to access over 50% more live sport this year at no extra cost. Stream the new EFL season, Test cricket and other top sports on NOW.
Watch Zach Sherri vs Callum Simpson Bill Live Sky Sports Action Saturday, August 3rd, starting at 7:30pm.
