Rocky Fielding v Brian Vera preview
Friday 26 June 2015 11:00, UK
We set the scene for Rocky Fielding's potentially explosive super-middleweight clash against Brian Vera in Liverpool on Friday.
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Background
Fielding is part of an exciting era for super-middleweights in Britain and a possible fight with fellow hot prospect Callum Smith has been tentatively planned for September.
But first he must get past the dangerous Texan, a former entrant in reality TV series 'The Contender, who has dished out a number of upset defeats.
Vera has picked up wins over former world champion Sergio Mora and current WBO king Andy Lee, while he also twice went the distance with the heavy-hitting Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.
Fielding can bolster his reputation in a competitive crop of domestic talent if he produce a stoppage win over Vera in front of his hometown fans.
What the fighters say:
Fielding: "The better the opponent in front of me, the better I will perform.
"I’m confident that when Vera feels my power and what I can do, he won’t want to know. I’m keen to get him out of there via a stoppage - Julio Chavez Jr couldn’t do that on either occasion, nor could Willie Monroe Jr - it would make a real statement.
"It’s a massive fight for me and if I have to produce a big performance - do that and it can really put me in to the mix on the world stage.
Vera: "This guy Rocky Fielding is making a huge mistake.
"He is way out of his league here and so far in his career hasn’t fought anybody - also, as far as I can see, he can’t crack an egg.
"This is the perfect opportunity and opponent to get back in the mix and I’m really excited about fighting in England for the first time and putting on a war for the fans."
What the experts say:
Vera could make it a hard, long night for Fielding and he may have to win this fight the hard way, which will be a good learning experience for him.
Someone like Vera is made for Rocky because Rocky likes people to walk on to his shots and he likes to whip them up through the middle.
He definitely has the hardest fight of the night because Vera has been in with some serious fighters.
What happened this week?
The experienced Vera has displayed a steely determination in the build-up, perhaps aware that another defeat could ruin his lingering ambitions.
Fielding, a quietly spoken man, rarely engages in pre-fight boasts and has retained a respectful attitude since the bout was announced.
But there will be fireworks when the first bell rings as both men pack a hefty punch and plenty is on the line at the Echo Arena.
Watch Fielding v Vera, Callum Smith v Christopher Rebrasse, Tony Bellew v Ivica Bacurin and Martin Murray v George Beroshvili, live on Friday from 7.30pm, Sky Sports 1
