Fowler predicts O’Brien will bring out the best in him

Anthony Fowler believes Craig O’Brien will allow him to show fight fans what ‘he is really about’.

The undefeated duo meet on the Dillian Whyte Joseph Parker undercard at the 02 Arena tonight and the Matchroom light middle claims the Irish champion is just the kind of opponent he has been waiting for.

Despite recently questioning the level of foe ‘The Iron’ has faced, the 27-year-old Rio Olympian, who holds a win over Jay Byrne, admits the Dubliner represents the toughest test of his career to date.

However, rather than prompt worry in the Liverpudlian, he claims what he suggests is a step up in opponent will allow him to showcase his talents.

“I’m the hungriest that I’ve ever been. I’m fighting an ambitious 8-0 prospect in Craig O’Brien who won’t want to lose his unbeaten record. These are the kind of fights that I want to be involved in at this stage of my career. This is the fight where everyone is going to see what I’m really about,” Fowler said at Thursday’s final press conference. 

“It’s great to be fighting on another Dillian Whyte undercard. I put on a good show last time out at The O2 and I’ll be looking to do the same tonight. This is the biggest test of my pro career to date and I’m ready to go to war if I have to.

“The plan is to keep on winning and to fight for a belt towards the end of the year. I haven’t got a specific title in mind, I just want a belt wrapped around my waist by the end of 2018.”

Although ‘The Machine’, who sparred Jason Quigley among others in the build up to his O’Brien challenge, claims he faces his toughest test to date he remains confident of victory.

Indeed, in the build up he has been comfortable enough to discuss future plans and fights.

Speaking to Boxingscene he said that “I’d like (the Scott Fitzgerald) fight this year. I know Scott well. We boxed in the amateurs and we sparred for years on Team GB.”

:It’s one of those things. It’s not personal. I like Scott as a person, he’s a good lad but he’s a name that will progress my career.”