Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Aussie hopes to get crowd onside
RENOLD Quinlan is hoping to prove the crowd favourite against Chris Eubank Jnr, even though their February 4 bout is in London.
The Australian supermiddleweight, who is defending his IBO title, has also predicted a knockout victory over a boxer whose only previous defeat was via a split decision.
The sporting rivalry between Australia and England is one of the longest-running in the world and, like his father Chris Eubank, the promising Eubank Jnr divides opinion.
So far against overseas opponents, the 27-yearold has felt British fans’ support but Quinlan is optimistic there will be enough desperate to witness him stopped for the first time in his career when they box.
“From what I’ve been told, not many people like Eubank and, if that’s the case, I hope you all come to witness me knock him out,” said Quinlan, 27, of the bout that launches ITV Box Office.
“This is going to be an absolute war.
“I know Eubank is tough but my plan is to fight my own fight and take him into deep water. Most of his wins have come by stoppage. I’ve never been stopped before so he can forget about that.
“I expect to stop him late in the fight. He has never faced anyone like me and he will feel it from my first punch.”
Though the fight is also Eubank Jnr’s first at 168lbs., he is considered a significant favourite against the little-known Quinlan. However, the latter insists he is travelling to the UK in an attempt to challenge himself, not be a neardefenceless opponent.
“It’s a country that loves its boxing and tough fighters and that’s what I am,” he said.
“After knocking out Daniel Geale and becoming the IBO supermiddleweight champion, the last thing I wanted to do was take an easy fight. I want t he best and nothing else.”
“I’m coming over to excite the fans.
“All of my fights have been like that and I don’t intend on changing anything.”
WINTER GOLF
CARNOUSTIE