By John Kelly
PECKHAM’S JOHNNY Garton knows Gary Corcoran is the favourite to claim the vacant British welterweight title – but is prepared to go toe-to-toe with the ‘Hellraiser’ on Saturday night.
The ‘Pexican’ meets Wembley’s Corcoran at the Brentwood Centre for the belt vacated by Garton’s gym-mate Bradley Skeete.
Garton (22-1-1) is around a 5/2 outsider to defeat Corcoran (18-2).
The scale of the challenge facing Garton is indicated by the fact that Corcoran went eleven rounds before losing a WBO world title challenge to Jeff Horn, who has defeated the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
But Garton, 31, has prepared to go all the way with his opponent this weekend.
“My trainer has said that the one of me and Gary who listens most in the corner will win and I do believe Al [Smith) is right there,” the IBF European champion told Boxing Social. “But this is going one way and me and Gary both know that no matter how technical we try and be, at some point in this fight we are going to stand in the middle and go at it.
“And I am more than happy to do that.
“Gary likes to come out fast and I am prepared for whatever, all I’ve worked for is a tough night and a tough twelve rounds. Gary is also super-fit and that is one thing we know for sure about him. He is also very strong and game, so we know we are going to do it tough.
“I’d say Gary will be the favourite in this fight and I think he deserves to be. He had a better amateur career, he’s boxed at a higher level than I have as a pro and he has boxed better names.
“I like Gary and I have no problems with him. At the end of the day he is just who I’ve got to fight and he is my type of fighter. He will fight anyone, he’s game and he comes forward. That is what I like in people.”
Corcoran, 27, ominously added: “I will not be overlooking Johnny who has done so well in his career, but his ambition is to be British champion. Mine is to be a world champion.
“We all know that Johnny is a come forward fighter, but if he tries boxing me I will box his head off. Whatever happens, I will hunt him down and beat him up.
“I am going to be too big and strong for Johnny. I am a level above Johnny and I will show it on the night.”
Image: Ashleigh Shea