Watson promises 'payback' for Purdy

Craig Watson's revenge mission is little more than a week away, and the Hatton Promotions welterweight has no doubt about the outcome.

“This is payback time,” promised Watson as he prepared for his hometown challenge against British champion Lee Purdy at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday 16th July.

Purdy caused a huge upset when he took the title from Watson via a fifth round stoppage back in April. Watson said: “The rematch has come quickly and I had to take it or face going through eliminators.

“I don’t want to sound like I am making excuses, but I wasn’t right before our last fight, but I am over the moon that I can make amends.

“It came too soon after the John O’Donnell fight (pictured) and I didn’t want to let people down so I went through with it.

“You live and learn and it will be forgotten next week when I win back the British title.

“We have been doing different things in the gym and working on other aspects of my boxing.”

Purdy’s only defeat in 18 professional fights came last year when he narrowly lost on points to Denton Vassell in a Commonwealth title challenge. He added: “I won the first fight against Watson so there is no reason for me to have any doubt about the outcome.”