Tyler: ‘Felix Cash is just another guy they say that I can’t beat’

The countdown has begun…Denny, Eddie Hearn and Cash

TYLER Denny tried to keep the dialogue with Felix Cash respectful. Cash, however, appeared to bristle for an argument.

The result at Thursday’s press conference to announce Tyler’s mouth-watering European middleweight defence against Cash was a war of words. The physical war – a truly five star showdown – takes place on Matchroom’s June 22 super show, streamed on DAZN.

It is one hell of a main event on one hell of a bill.

It is a fight that has been a long time coming. The pair were scheduled to meet before Cash took an extended break from the business.

At 32, Rowley Regis’ Denny has done it the hard way. The southpaw craftsman has taken his lumps, overcome setbacks and risen to the top through a string of upset victories.

Surrey’s Cash, from travellers’ stock, was a former outstanding amateur who appeared to be destined for very big things after demolishing Denzil Bentley for the British title.

Yet, with stardom beckoning, the 31-year-old was temporarily lost to the sport – the reasons are a little unclear, the rumours percolate around the business – and Cash’s meeting with Denny will be his first competitive action in over a year-and-a-half.

That kind of break can blunt reflexes and self-belief.

At Thursday’s Grand Hotel, Birmingham, head-to-head, Cash burned with self belief. He also filled the room with profanities.

He also predicted a comfortable night, telling members of the press: “Once I’ve clipped him, it’s goodnight.”

And Cash was quick to put the record straight regarding his long ring absence. It was caused by a broken hand that required surgery.

“It’s a great fight to come back to,” he said. “I’m all good now, had a change of trainers and feeling good.

“I’ve boxed all over the world, I don’t care where I’m fighting, it will be me and him in the ring. I could’ve taken a warm-up, but I’ve been boxing so long I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

“I’m treating this as my warm-up because I’m coming for bigger things. He’s been beaten before, he’ll be beaten again on June 22.

“But I respect any man who steps in the ring. It’s a shame he has to step in the ring with me.”

Other fighters have underestimated Denny and paid the price. Tyler has made a habit of quenching the fire burning in red hot prospects.

He certainly held his own in the verbal exchanges with Cash.

“He’s treating it as a warm up,” Tyler said. “He should be treating it as his retirement plan. I just hope he turns up.

“I respect him as a fighter, but while he’d taken his time off, I’ve been building, building my profile. I’m on fire, he’s just another guy they’re saying I can’t beat.”

Turning to Cash, he warned: “As much as you want to talk s***, 100 per cent I win. It will be a great night – the Black Country is going to be taking over Birmingham.”

Denny has registered some great, against-all-odds wins in his 23 fight career. If he pulls it off, this would be the greatest.