John Wayne Hibbert says Tommy Martin is in for a shock at the Copper Box

John Wayne Hibbert has laughed off Tommy Martin's claims that their sparring sessions were 'wars' and said he cannot wait to silence the young pretender at London's Copper Box Arena on January 30, live on Sky Sports.

Hibbert, 31, defends his Commonwealth and WBC international super-lightweight titles against Martin, his friend and sparring partner for the fight-of-the-year battles with Dave Ryan in 2015.

Essex man Hibbert is aware Martin has the backing of the bookmakers and fans for the fight, but warned the 21-year-old he will not be taking his titles away and that he is in for a rude awakening if he thinks their sparring sessions were tough.

"I read the other day that Tommy said our sparring sessions were 'wars' - I've got news for you pal, they weren't wars!" said Hibbert. "If you think they were wars then come January 30, you are in for a massive shock.

"We had good sparring sessions and they were competitive but whatever he brings to the table I have the answer for. He has said that he is expecting us to have a war - I think that will be mistake as it will be a short night.

"If Tommy wants a tear-up, we can do that, if he wants to box - we can box, I'm not fussed. The bookies and many on social media have Tommy as the favourite going into this fight - maybe they feel he is too young and too fresh but they will be losing a few quid on fight night."

Hibbert's clash with Martin is part of a huge night of action in east London, headlined by George Groves' clash with Italian Andrea Di Luisa for the vacant WBC super-middleweight international title.

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