North American fighters face stiff challenge in Sheffield

Canadian Kevin Bizier is widely expected to suffer his first stoppage of his career at the hands of Kell Brook, at Sheffield Arena.

And American Jason Gavern is a surprise addition to the bill - he fills the illness-stricken Richard Towers’ gloves and faces Conisbrough’s Dave Allen.

Gavern, 38, has a losing record of late, but has been in with the likes of Deontay Wilder, James Toney, Lucas Browne and, last year, Anthony Joshua.

Against a 24-year-old unbeaten heavyweight, Gavern, who only heard about the fight on Tuesday, will have to use all his veteran skills.

The Orlando man told The Star: “Unfortunately I have a number of losses, (20 from 51fights) and one of the reasons is because I take these fights on such short notice.

“I got the call, flew over to London, I’m a fighter, let’s fight.

“It takes a a few days to acclimate but we’re good to go, this isn’t my first rodeo I’ve done this many times before so I am ready.”

He said, as a fan of boxing, he’d heard of Allen, but was confident he can handle him. He also embraced UK fans, whom he said were the best in the world.

Allen said it had been a disappointing week, with Towers pulling out of the fight late on. But he said he would finish it on a high.

Meanwhile, Bizier’s promoter isn’t put off by the odds against his man.

“He is motivated, he will fight like it is his last fight ever” said Yvon Michel.

“If you think he will be out of there in one or two rounds, I am telling you he will be there until the end.”

Looks can be deceptive but Bizier’s body language apperared timid in the public work-out and press conference this week.

Dom Ingle, Brook’s trainer, said the boxer seemed tense and edgy - like a bgridegroom “the night before a wedding.”