Boxing: Jeffries ready for Belarus brawler + VIDEO
Tony Jeffries expects his toughest test yet as a professional when he steps into the ring against Belarus brawler Ilya Shakuro tonight.
The pair weighed in only half-a-pound apart yesterday – Jeffries hitting 12st 1.5lb and Shakuro coming in at 12st 2lb.
The Belarusian had sparked a war of words earlier in the week by declaring Olympic bronze medallist Jeffries "spoilt".
And he wore his best ring stare when the combatants went nose-to-nose for the cameras after the weigh-in at Roker's Queen Vic Hotel.
Jeffries, while insisting he won't be intimidated, expects a contest that will enthral fans at the Seaburn Centre, and those watching the live coverage at home on Sky Sports 2 (10pm).
The former Sunderland ABC amateur said: "The lad looks like he means business and that suits me fine.
"Nothing against my previous two opponents as a pro, but I don't feel I've been properly stretched yet.
"Shakuro looks in good condition and is taking things very seriously.
"Hopefully it's going to be a more competitive fight than I've had so far and better entertainment for the people watching."
Jeffries has made quick work of his two previous professional outings, stopping Shakuro's stablemate Aliaksandr Vayavoda in the opening round and finishing German Roy Meissner in round two on May 2 at Crowtree Leisure Centre.
Shakuro, slightly taller than Jeffries and with a pro record of two wins and one loss, looks a more serious competitor.
"I can't remember when I last fought a lad who was taller than me," said Jeffries, coached in Manchester by Bobby Rimmer. "Bobby and I will have a chat about tactics, but I'm really looking forward to the fight.
"I've had eight weeks working hard with Bobby for this fight, while I'd only been with him for three weeks when I last fought.
"I'm in good condition and it doesn't bother me that Shakuro was giving me the eyes at the weigh-in.
"I'm getting close to 100 fights now – I had 95 as an amateur – and I've seen all sorts of opponents.
"Some of them try to unsettle you by looking mean, but it can be different once the punches start getting thrown."
Tonight's Sky Sports bill is topped by the British super-flyweight title contest between Lee Haskins and Ross Burkinshaw.
Sunderland's Trevor Crewe , Wearside-based Tynesider Dave Ferguson and South Sheilds's Chris Mullen also get the chance to impress the home crowd.
Heavyweight Ferguson's opponent, Norway-based Russian Daniil Peretyako, promises to be a character in the ring having insisted on being referred to as Shrek at the weigh in.
Blackpool light-middleweight Brian Rose meets tough Frenchman Francis Trogba Tchoffo.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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