TRAINER Paddy Fitzpatrick hopes ‘putting a stick in the bees’ nest’ will pay off for Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Luke Watkins as they chase a headline-grabbing showdown for the Swindon fighter.

The Ferndale Road-based corner man and ‘The Duke’ Watkins have been stoking social media interest in a clash with unbeaten WBC Continental champion Lawrence Okolie, who is managed by world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and promoted by Matchroom all week, prompting Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn to reveal he would be contacting Fitzpatrick about a match-up.

A potential clash for the European title against unbeaten Italian Fabio Turchi (14-0) goes to purse bids on Monday and is another possible contest for Watkins, who himself has an unblemished 13-fight record, but Fitzpatrick believes an Okolie meeting would shape up as a huge domestic occasion.

“It would be a massive fight. We’re doing everything in our power to generate the fight, up until the moment the fight is not worth doing,’’ he told the Swindon Advertiser.

“If we get a good offer (for the European fight) on Monday, we’ll take it. If we get an offer and there is no other offer there that is reasonable, we’ll still take it. It takes two sides of a coin to build a promotion. This (Okolie) is a great fight.

“We’re not trying to pretend it’s going to be like a world title fight, but it’s the Commonwealth title, against the Olympic gold medallist, two undefeated men, both big punchers and it will say who is the head dude in this country.

“On the night that they meet that is not going the distance and I like my guy. As far as I’m concerned I see Duke stopping Lawrence. He may have to go through a bit of hell to stop him, but I see him stopping Lawrence.

“Matchroom are the best at what they do, they put on great fights, but if a couple from the country like myself and Duke can get thousands of retweets and likes and people talking about it, can you imagine what Matchroom could do promoting it?’’ Despite Hearn’s indications that a conversation could take place, Fitzpatrick is unconvinced the Okolie stable would want the contest.

“We’ve been teasing him (Hearn), poking him and putting a stick in the bees’ nest which was the plan as of last week.

“Ideally would you like Duke and Matty (Askin, British champion) to fight now? That’s the fight Duke wants. He wants the British title but because the Okolie one picked up a bit of pace, he’s like ‘okay, I want this.’’’ “We’re just keeping it out there, keeping the promo banner. It’s got massive retweets and likes so that’s the fight we think will happen. If it doesn’t happen, we’ll be fighting Turchi.’’ He added: “Rumours are a terrible thing because they can be a million miles away from what’s true.

“Guys who are with Matchroom I was talking to were saying they are not interested in that fight right now. Lawrence is up for it, but Anthony Joshua is his manager. I put in a call to say let’s discuss the fight and he hasn’t got back to me. Duke is too dangerous right now. We’ll see. We’ll know when they call up.’’ Another of Fitzpatrick’s charges, ‘Sniper’ Sam Smith has had his ring comeback delayed until later this month.

The light-heavyweight was beaten by Kirk Garvey in the seventh round of their Southern Area title final eliminator in London last month, but was due back in action this weekend.

Fitzpatrick explained: “The doctor, instead of putting the normal 28 days suspension after a stoppage, had put 45 because he thought Sniper’s nose was more damaged than what it was.

“Even though Sniper’s nose is perfect and we’ve been sparring on it, the doctor’s note was written and that’s the way it is.

“That’s fine and we respect that. He’ll be out on the 28th (at York Hall, Bethnal Green) and also in June.’’