GEORGE JUPP SLAMS RIVAL MITCHELL SMITH: “I’M HIS TOUGHEST OPPONENT YET AND CAN UPSET HIM!”

Southern Area super-feather king George Jupp warns that he won’t be the only fighter stepping up in class when he confronts Harrow Weald’s high-flying Mitchell Smith on Frank Warren’s unmissable ‘X-Mas Cracker’ bill at Manchester Arena on December 19th.

‘Mitchell’s a very good all rounder, easily my toughest test, but he ain’t beaten anyone great. Who’s he fought? I’m his toughest opponent to date,’ maintains the 24 year old from Belvedere who challenges for his ex spar mate’s WBO Inter-Continental title over 10 rounds.

The rangy 5ft 9½ in stylist not only enters with significant physical advantages over the compact champion but is unbeaten for over four years, having triumphed in each of his last eight gigs.

Particularly merit worthy were an eighth round stoppage of ex English title challenger Terry Flanagan, plus ten round wins over Georgia’s Gia Atenov (one loss in 11) and Lowestoft’s Craig Poxton (8-2).

He showed his mettle by rising from a third round knockdown against Atenov.

‘The Georgian was probably the weakest puncher I’ve boxed. It was just a fluke shot, a balance thing. I was a bit apprehensive that night, jumping up from six rounds to ten but I got a good work out,’ states the one time scaffolder who made the NACYP final and boxed for Young England prior to joining the paid brigade at 19.

‘Winning the Southern Area (against Poxton) was a good achievement but probably my worst performance as a pro. Everything went wrong. I had severe nose trouble from round one, damaged my left hand in round two and really had to grind out a win. I’ll be a million times better, come my big night.’

Coached and managed by ex pro welterweight Derek Grainger at the Ringside Gym in Bow, east London, the 2010 London ABA finalist is chomping for the chance to showcase his skills to BoxNation viewers and a huge live audience next month.

‘I’ll not be daunted. Loads of people have been asking for tickets. I’m really buzzing for it,’ insists the jab and move specialist.

‘I had 11 weeks for the original October 30th date (Smith withdrew injured) and only took eight days out the gym before slowly easing back into it.

‘I’ve done plenty of strength work and we’ll gradually step back into the boxing. The plan is to go over to Norfolk for some sparring with the Walshes (Liam and Ryan) who are slippery and emulate Mitch in size and strength, if not style.

‘I’ve already trained for three 10 rounders and I’ve always had a good engine so the distance and pace won’t be a problem. The focus has been more on fighting my fight not Mitchell’s.

‘Mitch and I sparred a few years back and I know that on my day, I can mix at that level. If I stick to my plan, I can upset him and that could open doors to massive things, really push my career on.’

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carlow clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Adrian Gonzalez defends his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. Plus the undercard features Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews and Indian superstar Vijender Singh.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com
TicketMaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim

0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena

0161 950 5000

0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)

www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.