Baker and Flynn: the bad blood flows in heated war of words

Security look on as Baker (right) and Flynn continue to row

THERE’S always a sense of theatre surrounding an Eddie Hearn big fight press conference.

And yesterday (Thursday) the theatrical feel was amplified by the luxurious, even grandiose, surroundings of Birmingham’s Grand Hotel, where reporters were introduced to boxers taking part in Hearn’s “Nxt Gen” bill at the Utilita Arena on Saturday.

The night, streamed on DAZN, may be topped by Birmingham Olympic hero Galal Yafai, but at the Grand, the show was stolen by Second City warrior Kane Baker and Jordan Flynn.

There is history between the junior-lightweights: Oxford’s Flynn gained a disputed eight round decision over Baker in April.

There is definitely ill-feeling which spilled into a heated war of words before the cameras. Casual fight followers love a pre-match spat: Baker and Flynn, unbeaten in nine, provided it.

Flynn, far left, doesn’t hold back on the podium

And it was 27-year-old Flynn who appeared to relish the role of pantomime villain, a performance capped by his refusal to shake Kane’s extended hand. Mind you Baker, 33, gave as good as he got, bringing laughter from the room with his reposts.

When brash Flynn accused him of being absolutely drained at the weight – “look at you, you’re dying” – Baker replied: “I’m just dying to beat you”.

When Flynn spoke of the strict training regime he’s endured while Baker “sat in the pub”, Kane said: “I’ll be in the pub on Sunday watching re-runs of beating you.”

Flynn also made much of Kane’s “feather” punches.

Other boxers on the rostrum showed respect for their opponents on Saturday night, Flynn and Baker went at it hammer and tongs.

Referring to their controversial first encounter, Flynn said: “I only had two-and-a-half weeks with my new coaches. It was the worst version of me on the night and I was still good enough to beat Kane Baker. I need to put on a better performance and that’s what I’ll do on Saturday night.

“I feel I can beat him down, definitely, and get him out of there. I’m not scared to have a fight. I don’t really see what he’s going to do differently.”

Turning to Baker, Flynn cranked up the verbal exchange: “Two weeks was still enough to beat you. You hit me with your best shots. Your face was cut up. You should thank me because I’m giving you another opportunity.

Kane Baker…real ring warrior looking for revenge

“You are talking like you won the fight, you are concussed, you’ve been hit too many times. You thought you won the fight, you must have memory loss.

“I can beat him at his own game or I can beat him a different way, any department I’m beating the guy.”

Baker told the crowded room: “One hundred per cent, I’m ready to go. Dreams don’t come true for people like me, but on Saturday night they will. It’s a massive show and I couldn’t have dreamed of being on it after a loss.

“Every time I roll the dice and on Saturday night I’m looking for that double six. I still believe I won the (first) fight, but I’ve got to do a better job this time. I want to show everyone what Birmingham boxing is all about.”

After listening to Flynn’s outburst, he looked the man in the eye and said: “You picked me (first time), remember? You don’t want people with winning records. Just tell me, who have you fought?”