JAMIE Cox says his old trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick is 'talking garbage’ after slamming a potential clash against Eamonn O’Kane.

The former 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist’s trainer John Costello talked up a fight between the two middleweights, only for the Ferndale Road-based coach to shoot it down, claiming the bout was 'ridiculous'.

But with Cox now back in the UK after two months training in Las Vegas and San Diego – including four weeks of sparring with Saul Alvarez – the ex-Walcot and England star has now weighed into the war of words.

“Listen, for Paddy to say that (the fight is ridiculous), he is talking absolute garbage because he knows that I always bring it,” Cox said. “If I am able to compete with the best fighters in the world, then Eamonn O’Kane; I’m ready.

“Eamonn has been on the floor against multiple opponents - I have fought better opponents. I will take that fight any day.

“If you ask anyone in boxing, anyone in British and American boxing, if they think it is ridiculous, I think they will say Paddy is ridiculous.”

Fitzpatrick-trained O’Kane is set to be ranked number three in the world by the IBF after successfully defending his inter-continental crown with a points success over Lewis Taylor earlier this month.

And while Cox has only had two fights in the last three years and not completed a 10-round contest in four, the Swindon southpaw believes that he doesn’t need a 10-rounder to get sanctioned for the contest.

“How did (Chris) Eubank (Jr) go from fighting an eight-rounder to fighting Billy Joe Saunders (for the British, Commonwealth and European titles)?” Cox said.

“I’m at a better level. I have fought better people. At the end of the day, it is a ridiculous comment for him (Paddy) to say that.

“I’m a true athlete. I train every single day. I’m there. All Paddy has to do is ring my manager or trainer.

“Let’s get it real. Why is he (O’Kane) fighting on Keith Mayo shows?

“I want to win a world title. From a kid, that has been my goal. I’m 28 now and I’m competing with the really good fighters in America.”