Boxing

Now it’s time for rivals to let fists do the talking

Sam Sexton has laughed off Martin Rogan's claims to his Commonwealth heavyweight belt as the two boxers hurled their final insults before touching gloves in Belfast tonight.

The Norwich boxer has taken the brave step of heading back across the Irish Sea to meet home favourite Rogan, having taking his belt away from him in controversial fashion six months ago.

Rogan is still smarting from the manner of the defeat, when a doctor ruled that an eye injury meant he was unable to carry on.

This time, he claims, he is a "new" fighter after leaving trainer John Breen and teaming up with Paul McCullagh.

"I'm stronger and faster than I have ever been," said the 38-year-old. "I have to thank Sam for bringing the belt back over, because that is where it is staying.

"I'm going to do it - I have trained very hard and I have a lot more to offer. I intend to go out and take the title back off him."

Sexton is famously laid back - and quickly dismissed Rogan's chances.

"Of course he is out for revenge, but his best chance came in the first fight," said Sexton, 25.

"He couldn't beat me the last time and he is not going to do it this time. He is a lot older than me - I'm still pretty fresh for a heavyweight at 25.

"He's had a few tough fights and he was marked up a bit in the last one. So it's out with the old and in with the new. I'm definitely going to be holding on to my belt."

Rogan, as is the way with boxers in the days leading up to a fight, had his own response.

"That is wishful thinking on his part," he said.

"I am determined and totally focused. I am going to give him a good shoeing and knock him out. That's what I am going to do.

"I didn't learn a lot about him from the first fight, but I learnt a lot about myself. Everything about me, the way I stood, everything was wrong and I have sorted that out in training.

"My new trainer has not had a long time to work with me, but the training has gone really well, as well as it ever has, and I just cannot wait for this fight. I am looking forward to Friday night.

"I want to win the belt back. Sexton keeps saying that I am older, but he is only stating the obvious. I am older. But I am really fit for this fight and he can do as much running around the ring as he wants. I will get to him and get the job done.

"I stood off Sexton and gave him too much time to fight the fight that he wanted to in the first fight. This time around I am going for him right from the first bell and I won't give him any time to settle into his stride.

"I've been hurting since that night I lost the title. I'm really fired up for this fight, probably more than I've ever been in my career before.

"When I fought Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison, I had nothing to lose. But now the pressure is on me because I can't afford another defeat at this time in my career."

The Sexton-Rogan fight - promoted by Frank Warren - clashes with another major promotion in Northern Ireland, promoted by rival Barry Hearn's Matchroom outfit, but in an unusual move the two parties have come together and Sky Sports One will show the best of both, live from 10pm.

The main fight at the Matchroom promotion at the Meadowbank Arena, Magherafelt sees home favourite Paul McCloskey take on Spaniard Daniel Rasilla for the vacant European lightwelterweight title.