As ready as I’ll ever be

Jackson heads into hostile territory for big fight

LUKE Jackson expects to walk into hostile territory next week when he arrives in Belfast for his world title-fight crack — but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The undefeated Tasmanian wrapped up his eight-week training camp in Sydney yesterday, and tonight flies to Dubai for the start of what could be a life-changing period.

Jackson lands in Ireland on Monday ahead of next Satur- day’s showdown with Carl Frampton at Windsor Park, where he will be gunning to strip the WBO interim world featherweight title belt from the hometown favourite.

The odds have been stacked against him ever since it was revealed he was Frampton’s opponent and with plenty of commentary in local media, Jackson knows he is about to enter a firestorm.

But having grown up at Clarendon Vale and emerged through some dark days with his mental-health issues, it will all be water off a duck’s back to the 33-year-old.

“I dare say there is going to be a little bit of hostility because the UK media has portrayed me as saying a few things that I haven’t said,” Jackson said. “It was reported I said something about his weight; all I said was he [Frampton] probably is still a bit heavy now because I am heavy too, we don’t drop the weight until the last week.

“A headline then comes out saying I called him fat.

“They are trying to create some bad blood maybe be- cause they are trying to sell tickets maybe, I don’t know but, to be honest, I don’t really care what they say or what reception I get.

“I respect Carl as a fighter, the guy can fight, 100 per cent, it is going to be a hard fight.

“I have been boxing half my life for this moment. I know I have to fight out of my skin to beat this guy and that’s what I am looking to do.”

Jackson declared he could be in no better position, physically or mentally, for the biggest bout of his life. He has been put through his paces by coach Billy Dib and is ready to show the world his credentials.

“I am mentally the happiest and strongest I have ever been in my life,” he said. “I feel great, my weight is good, I’m injuryfree. I am in charge of my own destiny and have created this opportunity through hard work.”