Kaisee: I’m ready to dominate title fight

Kaisee Benjamin faces the press before his big fight

THE cold, gun-fighter eyes of Kaisee Benjamin scanned the packed press conference and his face betrayed not a flicker of emotion.

The 27-year-old is not comfortable under the media glare. He comes alive and expresses himself in the ring – and in the ring he’s a very dangerous man. A succession of opponents, dropped by near crippling body shots, will testify to that.

But on Thursday, Kaisee had to bite the bullet and face the press pack gathered at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel for Saturday’s major Resorts World show. On the Boxxer promotion, Benjamin – a product of Birmingham’s Eastside gym – attempts to take Sean McComb’s WBO European light-welter title.

It’s a cracking contest. Belfast’s McComb, who delights in the ring nickname “Public Nuisance”, has lost only once in 16 outings.

Benjamin – a concussive puncher – has lost only two of 19.

For him, the 10 rounder represents a potential fast-track to the big time. Last time out – in November – Kaisee attempted to take the British title from outstanding champ Dalton Smith, but was outpointed. That was a cagey encounter and there’s no doubt Kaisee pushed Smith, fighting in his home city of Manchester, harder than any other opponent has.

If McComb wants to keep his European belt, the 30-year-old will have to dig very deep.

Sean said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of such an historic card, but I’m not just here to be a part of it. I’m here to defend my belt and put on a performance.

“The talent is there, the work ethic is there, the boxing IQ is there. I think Kaisee will come out trying to be rough and tough and try to blow me away early.

“I’ve had a great camp and prepared for it properly.”

Benjamin said: “I believe I’m more superior in every department. It’s my first time fighting on a big time show in Birmingham.”

Of last year’s British title loss, he said: “Dalton Smith is a good fighter. I feel it was a close fight that could’ve gone either way. I feel it (the loss) was down to inactivity.”

Of the fight at hand, Kaisee added: “I’m looking to put on a dominant performance. I’m ready to fight or box.”