JJ Metcalf: Biggest prize from Ted Cheeseman clash is raising my profile

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

JJ Metcalf reckons the biggest gain from facing Ted Cheeseman will be the exposure and not the British title which is at stake.

Bermondsey super-welterweight Cheeseman, 25, is looking to reclaim the vacant domestic crown.

Unbeaten Liverpudlian Metcalf comes from famous fighting stock – his dad is Shea “Shamrock Express” Neary.

The 32-year-old is 21-0 in the paid ranks and holds the Commonwealth belt. Now he gets the chance on a big stage with the March 27 bout on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight rematch against Alexander Povetkin, which is scheduled to take place in Gibraltar.

Metcalf told Seconds Out: “It’s a big fight, more for the recognition – because Ted is pretty well known. No-one really knows who I am. Maybe that’s partly my fault with not being too vocal or on Instagram, stuff like that. I’ve been a professional for 10 years and I’m unbeaten.

“It’s a bit of exposure on Sky as well. It’s the first time I’ve ever been on a pay-per-view bill. I’ll be running back out to watch the main event.”

Metcalf is a betting favourite even though Cheeseman has challenged for the European title – being outclassed on points by classy Spaniard Sergio Garcia – and beat the tough Sam Eggington last time out in August.

“I don’t look at that – bookies are wrong all the time,” said Metcalf. “It doesn’t really matter, it is whoever is better on the night. I’ve got that mentality that I don’t see myself getting beaten.

“He is right up there [as one of the top fighters domestically at the weight]. He seems like he’s coming into form and he’s still young.

“He has been in some hard fights but he’s changed his style in the last couple, so he’s not taking as many shots as he used to.”