MARK CHAMBERLAIN VS GAVIN GWYNNE - FULL FIGHT PREVIEW
Whilst all eyes are on Anthony Joshua, and understandably so, there are four other Brits who are raring to go in Riyadh, as the biggest night of their careers draws ever closer.
One of those is Mark Chamberlain, whose opportunity on the biggest stage can be assigned to his vicious victories in the ring, and one very impressed onlooker.
No, seriously, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh personally rang Chamberlain, who after ignoring the original call, answered to be told he must pack his shorts and sunscreen.
If you’re familiar with Chamberlain’s work, you’ll know exactly why he made such a significant impact.
His dismissive manor of dispatching opponents makes for almost uncomfortable, yet equally satisfying, viewing. Even better? This next stop could be the best to date.
And that is because Chamberlain is squaring off with Gavin Gwynne.
There is a lot to like about Gwynne, and anyone who knows him might well put it down to the fact that he is a genuinely salt of the earth-type character.
But whilst he might be warm in persona, he can be cold as ice in the ring. His resume of battles has forged a toughened professional, one who will unearth any pretender.
Since his second career defeat to James Tennyson in August 2020, Gwynne has had a six-fight run in which he has won the British, Commonwealth, and European straps.
He, like Chamberlain, must feel in a place of invincibility. That is why when the pair collide this Friday in Riyadh, there is no other option than utter chaos… I hope.
Talking of chaos, we can move swiftly on to Liverpool’s own Jack McGann.
After a five-year MMA career, McGann came to his senses and realised that floor cuddling is simply not as entertaining as standing and having a fight – sorry, MMA fans.
So boxing it was, and a pretty high profile start to the professional career, making his debut on Tyson Fury’s comeback card in Manchester. A debut win was followed by a further seven victories - and a frustrating draw - before his maiden title win a year ago.
Then, he found himself around Fury once again.
As a boxer with an MMA background, McGann was a perfect undercard selection for Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou last October. And he did not disappoint.
He walked in and wiped-out Robert Duran Jr in two rounds, delivering a real Saudi statement. It was clear he would be back, and now he is.
It is a good fight too, as he faces off with the ‘Medway Mauler’ Louis Greene. Last time out, Greene came up short as he challenged for Sam Gilley’s Commonwealth title.
A fight with Greene will be a good marker for McGann, who has been ordered to face Gilley for the vacant British title next.
Not a bad start to Friday’s proceedings at all.
Oscar Bevis