The tough Yorkshireman who intends to ruin the party in Manchester

A South Yorkshireman will try and put a fist sized dent into a piece of Manchester history on Saturday.

The traditional Roses rivalry will be ignited at the first-ever boxing event at the new £400m Co-op Live arena.

Doncaster's Jimmy Joe Flint is the man tasked with spoiling the night for the vast majority of the fans at the venue, which can seat 20,500 people.

He's already upset the apple cart once - beating the same opponent, Campbell Hatton, in March in Sheffield.

And his demeanour in the media events before Saturday night's showdown suggests he is in the mood to do so again.

Flint, 27, believes his 23-year-old rival didn't want a rematch so soon, although Ricky Hatton's son denies this.

The Jason Cunningham-trained boxer insists he is "coming for a stoppage. Whatever he brings, I am going to be better.

"I know I have got his number. Saturday night you are going to see a Flint win."

Jimmy Joe Flint and Campbell Hatton come face to face ahead of their Super-Lightweight Contest at the CoOp Live Arena, Manchester Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxingplaceholder image
Jimmy Joe Flint and Campbell Hatton come face to face ahead of their Super-Lightweight Contest at the CoOp Live Arena, Manchester Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The pressure is all on Campbell; promoter Eddie Hearn has added to that by suggesting that a second loss would question whether Campbell would a TV-fighter of the future.

"The reality of this fight - and this is why it is so intriguing - is his career might be over on Saturday night if he loses" he said.

"If you lose at this level you cannot carry on in these shows."

Hearn said he had never been so excited about an area title-level bout, in his life.

James Flint and Campbell Hatton ahead of their Super-Lightweight Contest Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxingplaceholder image
James Flint and Campbell Hatton ahead of their Super-Lightweight Contest Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

"This fight will be a war."

Meanwhile, Ridgeway novice Mikey Harrison has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime, after just two professional fights.

He will challenge another greenhorn, Vicente Alejandro in Grand Cayman, at cruiserweight, on November 2.

It will be a dramatic change of scenery for the former Eckington Schoolboy whose earlier pro appearances have both been at Skate Central in Sheffield.

Mikey Harrison Pic by Connor McMainplaceholder image
Mikey Harrison Pic by Connor McMain

Harrison, 20, said he was very excited about the four-rounder.

"What an opportunity and experience this is going to be - boxing my third professional fight in the Caribbean" he said.

"A massive thank you to all of my team for this golden opportunity.

"Travelling the world, doing what I love...and all a few days before my 21st birthday. Does it get much better?"

Sheffield's Dennis Hobson co-promotes the show, which includes two World Boxing Foundation title fights.

*Nicola Hopewell, who dominated Nigerian Mary Abbey at Skate Central last weekend to retain her Commonwealth title, is now rated the UK's best woman flyweight and at number 20 in the world.

And another Commonwealth flyweight belt holder, Conisbrough's Conner Kelsall, is waiting to hear if a defence and European match-up against Swansea's Jay Harris will go ahead on a Frank Warren bill.

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