Boxing: Kerry is ready to go

Mar 20 2008 by David Williams, Merthyr Express

KERRY Hope has admitted he will use the disappointment of Enzo Maccarinelli’s defeat to David Haye to his advantage in his showdown with Matthew Hall in Cardiff on Saturday, writes DAVID WILLIAMS.

The 25-year-old middleweight will look to learn from the mistakes made by the Swansea man in his second round knockout by Haye.

The winner of the Hope-Hall eliminator should expect a shot at a title later in the year and the Galon Uchaf southpaw will be the first of Enzo Calzaghe’s proteges to climb into the ring following Maccarrinelli’s loss.

“Sitting at ringside, it was a real shock to see Enzo get beaten like he did,” said Hope.

“I was there with Nathan Cleverly and we were absolutely gutted because he did everything he shouldn’t have done.

“The only good thing I can take from Enzo’s fight is that I can learn from the mistakes he made.

“The Monday after he lost it was strange walking into the gym because we hadn’t had a boxer lose for two years before that.

“I’ve spoken to Enzo and he was very disappointed, but he’ll be back.”

Hope will take on hard-hitting Hall, who has six first-round stoppages to his name and only one defeat in 18 fights, over 10 rounds for the first time in his unbeaten 12-bout career.

And he is up for the fight at Cardiff’s CIA, which will precede fellow gym member Gavin Rees’ first world light welterweight title defence.

“I can’t wait,” said Hope.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and I’m feeling really confident.

“I’m not feeling any pressure after Enzo’s fight, I just want to stay undefeated.

“I want to go out there and do my thing.

“It’s probably the most motivated I’ve ever been before a fight and I’ve been training really hard.”

As well as being at the top of his game physically, Hope says he has the mental edge over Mike Tyson fan Hall.

“If I go in the ring halfheartedly he is going to beat me,” said Hope.

“I’m feeling mentally fit as well as physically fit.”

The Merthyr man would like to thank sponsors First4Rentals for their support.