EUROPEAN middleweight champion Tyler Denny and challenger Felix Cash have both predicted stoppage wins for themselves on Saturday night (June 22).
The two meet in Matchroom’s main event at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham in what is Denny’s first defence of the title he won against Matteo Signani last time out.
Cash, meanwhile, is making his comeback to the ring 18 months on from his last fight – an eight round win against Celso Neves on the Josh Warrington-Luis Alberto Lopez undercard. In his absence, Denny, 18-2-3 (1 KO), has gone from strength to strength fighting regularly on Sky Sports beating Bradley Rea, Brad Pauls, Macaulay McGowan and Signani, respectively.
“He’s gonna get smashed on Saturday,” Denny said at today’s final press conference.
“I feel bad for him but this is the game we’re in. He’s got some catching up to do because after [beating Denzel] Bentley he was meant to be up to world titles by now.”
Cash interrupted, however, saying, “I’ll get you out the way and I’ll be straight back in the mix.”
“He’s not gonna do it,” Denny replied. “Ignore him. He’s getting excited. He’s thinking about the weigh-in, he’s struggling at the weight, getting excited.”
The unbeaten challenger went on to quiz Denny on whether or not he was hoping Cash couldn’t make the weight (160lbs). That conversation eventually petered out but Denny believes he can earn his second consecutive win inside the distance, with only one to his name so far.
“He’s a good fighter,” Denny said of Cash.
“We’ve had some back and forth but I respect him. Good all-round fighter. You can’t trick this game, boxing will find you out. Whatever he’s been up to over the last how many months and years I’ve been in the gym grinding. And it’s gonna show. Break him down and get him out of there. And still.”
Rather than getting his feet wet again in a warm-up bout for something then more meaningful Cash, 16-0 (10 KOs) has chosen to go straight in there with a man who has momentum in his favour. The decision speaks volumes for Cash’s confidence and new trainer Adam Booth.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday night and getting my hands on that European title and making up for lost time,” Cash said.
“I definitely think I’m gonna get him out of there inside the distance. He’s gonna come out and we’ll have a look at him first couple of rounds, go to work and I reckon it won’t go the distance.”
While the 160lbs division is one which over the years has featured some of the sport’s greatest fighters there is no star-power in 2024. Champions Janibek Alimkhanuly, Carlos Adames and Erislandy Lara are not household names who command huge paydays. Saturday’s winner will move closer to a shot at one of them and history tells us that winning the European title can lead to a world title opportunity.
“That’s what we want,” Cash said of fighting for one of the belts. “I want to be in the big fights and I’m sure I will be after this one.”