Repeat or revenge – three words originally coined for the Liam Smith-Chris Eubank Jnr re-match at the AO Arena Manchester.
While that grudge affair fell though, it is a phrase most apt to a bout on the undercard in the event which goes ahead with Savannah Marshall’s crack at Franchon Crews-Dezurn’s world super-middleweight haul.
Savannah’s Peter Fury-stablemate and friend, April Hunter, is looking forward to a re-match with Kirstie Bavington, the only woman to lower her colours in a seven-bout career.
Hunter told punch-lines her initial target was former world champion Hannah Rankin, or North-East neighbour Georgia O’Connor, who is about to campaign in Ireland with Conlan Boxing.
“I’d asked for a fight with Hannah,” said April. “But she had another commitment and I then wanted Georgia O’Connor, but she wouldn’t accept the fight.
“I wasn’t expecting to be fighting Kirstie but I’m over the moon I’ve got the chance to right the wrong from before.”
The wrong in question was that sole loss, a 59-56 points verdict to the Wolverhampton fighter in Newcastle in October 2021.
Since then, Hunter has re-built under Fury, while Bavington went on to become European champion.
The pair traded heavily verbally at the media conference on Thursday before being separated at the traditional head-to-head picture shoot, when their heads got rather close to each other.
At Friday’s weigh-in, there was at least a hand-shake between the girls who dislike each other intensely.
While rather het-up ahead of their scrap, the North Shields crowd favourite is adamant she will perform better in the ring with less stress.
“It’s all about staying relaxed,” she explained. “It’s about me sticking to my boxing and if I do that it’s an easy night’s work.
“I’m not worried about her, I’m concentrating on being the best me.
“I’m super-chilled, super-calm. There was loads going on in the background last time, not that I’m making any excuses, but Kirstie is getting a different animal against her this time.
“If she’s expecting the same April Hunter, she’s going to be badly mistaken.
“There are levels to this game, everyone knows I’m the better boxer, I just can’t allow myself to get drawn into a fight again.
“I need to keep my head.”
Bavington, who accused Hunter of being “a joke to the sport” can’t be written off. Not only did she beat April in her home Toon, she’s won two European title fights since in a 7-2-2 fight log.
But the former Howdon ABC star is confident the new April will be too good.
“I’ve improved in every aspect, I’m super-fit and super-strong and I’m ready to give her a helluva night on Saturday.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ BOXXER
