PARKIN TICKET

Mick eyes twin victories on return home

MICK PARKIN is hoping for a double homecoming this summer as the English heavyweight continues his rise up the rankings.

The Sunderland fighter, and big Black Cats supporter, believes the rumoured UFC Manchester show this July would be perfect for him to extend his unbeaten record to 10-0, with his last three wins coming in

the octagon.

And with the Euro 2024 final set for July 14, Parkin believes it could be a big month for the Three Lions as well.

After getting a unanimous decision against Mohammed Usman in Las Vegas, the 28-yearold said: “England were so close to winning the last Euros and they are getting better, but they always seem to stumble at that final hurdle. Being an England fan hasn’t always been great – it is worse for your nerves than fighting in the octagon!

“I’ve heard the UFC is coming back to England in July. That would be absolutely perfect for me.

“The UFC has been great in matching me and so I would face anybody. I feel when you get into the top 15, that’s when you can start calling people out.”

While he has plenty of potential opponents in Manchester, Tom Aspinall – who could headline the show – is still unsure of his dance partner.

The interim heavyweight champion has yet to make a title defence since winning the crown last November with fellow champion Jon Jones, who has been out with a muscle injury, pencilled in to face Stipe Miocic on his eventual return.

Parkin, who trains with his fellow countryman in Wigan, believes the waiting game has put Aspinall in an awkward position.

He added: “It is amazing training with Tom. I can’t get better training than that anywhere. He is a great guy but I do feel a bit bad for him now because he is missing out on the main fights.

“I don’t know who he could get. I don’t feel anyone is eager to fight him. The Jones fight would be awesome for him but I can’t see it happening at the moment.

“Jones wants to fight Stipe, which is a lot of money. But I would love to get on the July card and hopefully Tom can headline it. That would be amazing.”

■ HEAVY PUNISHMENT: Mick Parkin lays into Mohammed Usman UP NEXT UFC on ESPN 54, Sunday, 3am. It’s No.2 v No.3 in the flyweight division as Erin Blanchfield faces Manon Fiorot in Atlantic City. MONEY MATCH Pair Blanchfield with welterweight star Vicente Luque to beat Joaquin Buckley (1.8/1) for a win double. FINAL SAY “Fighting beats you up, man… but I choose to be loving regardless. Just forgive and keep moving.” ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas shows her softer side after beating Amanda Ribas.