Predictions from pro boxers for Rule Britannia show
Some of Britain's brightest young boxers gave their predictions for the bumper Matchroom Boxing's Rule Britannia show at London's O2 Arena tonight.
Bradley Saunders (12-0)
WBO Inter-Continental light-welterweight champion
"I think Anthony Joshua gets the points win. Looking forward to Mitchell and Linares as haven't seen much of Linares but been hearing good things about him. I know Frankie Gavin well and they're both top fighters but you would have to go with Brook on the results of late but Frankie always shines against the better opponent. Brook is the best he has boxed in his pro career so far so let's see. It all depends on the first four rounds for me. Top card, best I have seen for a long time!"
Dean Gillen (1-0)
Unbeaten super-middleweight
"Mitchell v Linares – Very interesting fight as they have similar records in the sense that, they both have good KO %, but both have lost by KO, so will make for an exciting fight!! My money is on Mitchell though I think his quality will come through to win on points, but wouldn't rule out a late stoppage. Mitchell also has the home fans behind him, this may prove to be the difference in a such a close match up! Brook v Gavin – I like both boxers, Brook is a bigger stronger welterweight but Gavin is slick and moves so well. I think Brook will slow Gavin down with body shots in the early rounds, ultimately his strength will come through to win by KO in the middle/late rounds. Joshua v Johnson – Another interesting fight as it's Joshua's first real test as Johnson has mixed it with the top heavyweights. I'm sure Joshua with live up to British expectations. I'm backing the BIG man Joshua, and I'd foolish to say anything other than a stoppage win – which will ignite the heavyweight division as Johnson has never been stopped! Also, a mention to John Wayne Hibbert. He's boxing on the same bill challenging for the Commonwealth super-lightweight title and defending his WBC International super-lightweight title. I'm sure he's going to do the business too! He is a quality operator!
I cant' wait to tune in later! It's going to be a great night for British Boxing."
Luke Blackledge (19-2-2)
Commonwealth super-middleweight champion
"I want Mitchell to win but it's a very, very tough fight for him, he is class the other kid but I like Mitchell as a fighter so I hope he does it. Going to have to go with Kell Brook with that one, I think he'll get the stoppage ate on. I don't think it'll be overly one-sided but when Brook starts getting on top he's stronger and bigger. I don't know much about Johnson but it's gonna be a stoppage for Joshua, it's not gonna go past eight. It will be hard to stop him but someone Joshua will hunt him down and Johnson won't be able to keep him off him."
Tommy Langford (12-0)
Unbeaten middleweight
"Joshua KO. Blackwell points. Mitchell v Linares, I can't pick but reckon it will end in a KO either way."
Lloyd Ellett (17-0)
3x Masters champion
"Linares stoppage. Brook points. Joshua stoppage."
Liam Desmond (4-0)
Unbeaten middleweight
"I reckon Mitchell will win by eighth round KO. Brook to win on points. Joshua to win by KO in the third."
Matt Marsh (13-2)
Former British super-bantamweight champion
"Joshua within three rounds for me. Brook will beat Gavin, he will be too much for him. Kevin's got a tough, tough fight but all I can see is claret and blue coming through."