Champ Askin in warning to title rival

Askin is starting the final round of preparation for his clash with Bennett and says the build-up has been spot on.

There will be a huge amount at stake in the Askin versus Bennett match-up as a British title shot beckons for the winner.

The current holder of the British and Commonwealth titles is Ovill McKenzie, who beat Askin on points in March, when the two belts were on the line.

Askin dominated the first part of that contest but was beaten going down the stretch as McKenzie came on strongly to get the points verdict after 12 tough rounds.

That result has been put into context by McKenzie’s subsequent attempt to win the IBF version of the world title in Argentina.

McKenzie fought out a draw with the home champion Victor Emilio Ramirez in Buenos Aires, though many seasoned observers believed the Briton had done enough to win.

The McKenzie is are pushing for a rematch, which could well mean McKenzie giving up his titles to concentrate on world ambitions.

Such a move would put Askin in pole position to challenge for the Lonsdale Belt again, though Askin knows full well that could unravel if he does not deal with Bennett at York Hall, Bethnal Green, next weekend.

Askin said: “Sparring has gone really well and I know that Bennett, who is a southpaw, will be durable. He will prove hard to handle in the first two or three rounds but then I should take over.

“Once I unleash my power, I will show that Bennett is not in my league, not by a long way.”

“I have been turning people over in sparring and I am hearing rumours that Bennett has been put down in sparring.”

Saturday’s fight coincides with the first birthday of Askin’s son Lincoln, another source of motivation for the 26-year-old. He added: “That has annoyed me. I will take it out on Bennett and make it up to my son on Sunday.”