Kris George to Cameron Hammond: “Your amateur credentials won’t help you”
KRIS George has issued a stern warning to undefeated welterweight starlet Cameron Hammond ahead of their looming Commonwealth title clash.
In a press release issued by George’s promoter TGW Smithy’s Promotions, the confidently spoken welterweight has promised to give Hammond a challenge unlike any he has faced thus far.
“They always go on about his amateur career and his natural ability and I agree he probably does have a ton of natural ability,” said George.
“He’s probably a very skilled boy but a twelve round pro fight in eight ounce gloves – that sort of thing – skill, natural ability. It’s about more than that,”
“It’s a whole different ball game, it’s about grit, endurance, strength, mental toughness. I thought Glenn Rushton (Hammond’s trainer) of all people would understand that process, the difference between the pro’s and amateurs.”
The hard-hitting George (11-1, 6 KOs), who has taken the scalp of two undefeated fighters since turning professional, believes the hard work that he has been putting in to prepare for Hammond (16-0, 8 KOs) will play a major part in the outcome of the fight.
“I believe I train a lot harder than most fighters, I train two to three times a day.” added George. “I know that fitness, strength and durability is a major player in this fight and that’s where I plan on winning.”
In his most recent appearance, the 27-year-old travelled to New Zealand to face unbeaten Kiwi prospect Bowyn Morgan, who George silenced in three rounds. While George would not pick a round, the Toowoomba-based mauler envisions a result that falls in his favour, with a knockout being the most likely scenario.
“I’ve had epiphanies of knocking him out and it can happen,” he continued. “From when the fight was signed I’ve always had visions of knocking Cameron out. However, you never go into a fight planning on knocking them out. The whole training camp all I have thought about is going twelve hard rounds.”
Despite racking up sixteen impressive wins in his short professional career, Hammond is yet to face a real threat like the one he faces in George. With that in mind, the heavily dismissed George plans on testing Hammond’s chin like no other fighter has so far.
“Glenn Rushton said in his comments that Cameron’s chin has been tested, but I don’t see when and I don’t see how?” he continued. “We’re talking about twelve rounds with eight ounce gloves. I know for a fact that I hit harder than anyone he’s fought before. He might have been tested on some level before but we will see on the night.”
George also admitted the news of Jeff Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton now working with Cameron Hammond adds extra spice to the contest.
“When I found out he was training Cameron it just added some icing on the cake,” George concluded. “All goes to plan and I beat Cameron on the night it’s going to be a good little statement for the Horn camp to step up next time. I’ve fought some undefeated fighters before, I like being the underdog.”
“The Commonwealth title is a big deal. I’ve had a great training camp, you won’t see any excuses from me. You will see the best Kris George on the night.”
Photo: Wildman Photography
