Swindon boxer Cox claims Brook dodged fight with him (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon boxer Cox claims Brook dodged fight with him

8:30am Thursday 11th February 2010 in

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JAMIE Cox claims Kell Brook spurned the opportunity to defend his British Welterweight title against the Swindon Southpaw.

Cox, who is currently preparing for Saturday’s fight against Michael Frontin at Wembley Arena, suggested he had been offered to the undefeated Brook by promoter Frank Warren two to three weeks ago.

But Cox intimated the 23-year-old rejected the chance to square up to him, instead settling for a WBO light welterweight title eliminator fight against Krzysztof Bienias of Poland at Liverpool’s Echo Arena next month.

“Kell turned down the fight with me,” said Cox.

“They offered me the fight at late notice against Kell but he didn’t want it and that’s why we’ve got to wait til April.

“I don’t know why he said no. Maybe it was because of politics and defending it against someone easier was a better option.”

Cox and trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick have been assured that Swindon’s 23-year-old will have a shot at the British title in April, provided they negotiate the obstacle of Frontin this weekend.

And the Commonwealth Games gold medalist is confident of toppling any potential opponent, be it Brook, Michael Jennings or anyone else, to get his hands on a belt.

“It could be Jennings when that fight comes around, but if I get my hands on Kell I know that I’ll end up the winner,” he said.

Cox spent the last six months of 2009 sounding out Brook for a title showdown, but the Sheffield mauler ignored the advances and chose to turn his attentions to a proposed bout with former WBU champion Jennings.

And Cox was led to believe that he would be in line to face the winner of the showdown.

But Brook was forced to withdraw from the fight citing a viral infection, leaving both Jennings and the Swindon pounder in the lurch.

However, the former Walcot boxer is still champing at the bit for his chance at secruing national recognition, and believes Saturday’s fight will prove he is ready.

“The fight for the British title has been put back to April now so I’ve got Frontin on the 13th, and I’m just going to show people how much I’ve improved,” he said.

“Come this weekend, and come April, I’m going to be on fire.”