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Walsall lightweight Martin Gethin admits he’s both surprised and delighted that Liverpool’s John Watson has decided to go up against him in a British title eliminator on March 28.
Believing the fight may have come a little too early in his opponent’s fledgling career, Gethin is looking to take advantage of Watson’s ambition at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.
“It should be an interesting fight,” says Gethin, 15-1-1 (7). “John’s an up and coming boxer with lots of talent, but he’s definitely not as experienced as me. That’s where I’ll have the edge.
“He’s a good lad, but he’s not really been pushed yet. I’m surprised they’ve taken this fight so early in his career. He’s only had nine fights and now he’s involved in a British title eliminator. They must have a lot of faith in him as it’s a big step up.”
As well as only boasting nine pro bouts to his name, Watson, a former Senior ABA champion, has yet to go beyond four rounds. On March 28, the undefeated Watson will be up against a man in Gethin who has gone 10 rounds once, and beyond six many times.
“I can do 10 rounds fairly easy,” admits Gethin, who has snapped the unbeaten records of prospects John Fewkes and Nadeem Siddique in his 17 bout pro career.
“It’s a really big jump in rounds for Watson. I suppose he’s just trying to get to that British title shot as quickly as possible and sees me as his route there. I’m up there already, but I haven’t got my shot yet. This is my big chance, as well as his big chance.
“I’m hoping to get the British title shot after beating Watson. It’s always been my dream to fight for that Lonsdale belt and I’ve built my career up the right way. I’ve gone through six, eight and ten rounders and am now there or thereabouts.”
Should Gethin shatter the title hopes of Watson on March 28, the Walsall man can look forward to a shot at champion John Murray’s British title. First, though, he must put behind him the disappointment of a cuts defeat to Scott Lawton last time out.
“In the last fight [against Lawton] I went in with a cold and still did the nine rounds fine,” recalls Gethin, a former English and Midlands Area lightweight champion. “My nose was bunged up the whole fight and I just had no energy or snap in my work.
“I just didn’t feel as quick or as strong as I normally do. You can’t take it away from Lawton – he’s a very good boxer – but I wasn’t up to it on the night. The ref said I was losing by a point, but I still felt I was getting to him in the later rounds.
“I could have been winning the fight and then got stopped on a cut, though. That would have been really gutting. Fair play to him, Lawton was slightly ahead at the time. You can either get upset about these things or you can come back stronger. I’ll do that on March 28.”
Admitting he knows little of Watson’s style, Gethin is prepared to overcome anyone in pursuit of his dream British title shot.
“I haven’t seen Watson fight yet,” admits Gethin. “I tried looking for a couple of fights, but I haven’t managed to get any.
“I picture him as one of those long-range, hit-and-move boxers who uses his reach a lot. He’s quite tall and rangy. Whatever way he fights, I expect to be the one coming forward and making the fight. I’ve been working on cutting down the ring, getting inside and moving my head more.
“To be honest, I prefer fighting taller boxers because I find it easier to get inside on them. Siddique was a lot taller than me and tried to box me from range. Eventually, though, I worked my way inside and broke him down.
“It’s going to be a tough fight on March 28, but I’ll get through it in the end. I always find a way to win.”
John Watson’s British title eliminator with Martin Gethin forms part of the undercard to Hayemaker 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ on March 28 at the Echo Arena.
Headlining the show will be local lad Tony Dodson’s attempt to win back his old British title from Brian Magee, as well as Ryan Rhodes’ British title defence against Anthony Small.
To purchase tickets to Hayemaker 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ visit www.accliverpool.com or call 0844 8000 400.
