Pat Brown expects to be taken into deep waters by ‘The Gentleman’

Pat Brown vs John Hedges

Pat Brown channelled his inner ‘Gentleman’ as he faced-off with ‘The Gentleman’ John Hedges ahead of their showdown this Saturday for the vacant British & Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles – live worldwide on DAZN.

The undefeated rivals both share great expectations and stood, suited and booted, toe-to-toe for the first time during fight week at the lavish, sprawling country grounds of Arley Hall in Cheshire before they battle it out for the prestigious Lonsdale belt at Manchester’s Co-op Live.

Team GB Paris 2024 Olympian Brown, 26, has registered six wins with six stoppages since he turned professional back in 2025.

However, his fast track to what many believe will ultimately journey towards in a World Title faces its toughest test to date in the form of Essex’s 12-0 (3 KOs) Hedges this weekend.

Despite being the ‘A-side’, Hedges acknowledges that he may not be the favourite for the fight in Brown’s home city.

But the 24-year-old believes he is the man to defuse ‘The Bomber’ in front of his fans and capture the WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Titles, which are also at stake.

“Although I’m the A-side in this fight, I know I’m definitely the B-side. But I kind of like that. There’s no pressure," said Hedges.

Brown, meanwhile, is excited about a major opportunity in front of him and expects an entertaining, old school shootout.

“I want to be in good fights to see what I’m about,” said Brown.

“I understand people get excited and they want to fast-track me. But I need to learn about being in deep waters.

“People get excited because I have got an exciting style. There is always pressure and the higher I go there will be more. That is up to me to get used to it.”

Brown and Hedges will meet again at Thursday’s Final Press Conference.

Keep track of all the latest news and updates throughout fight week on social media @matchroomboxing

More quotes from 'The Gentleman'

Speaking to Matchroom Boxing's Day in the Life series, Hedges said: "[Victory on Saturday] would make me the second youngest British Cruiserweight Champion since Glen McCorry. So, it’s quite massive for me. Especially at this age to be at this level.

“It’s a great position to be in. I’m aware of the challenge ahead. I’m a massive underdog. I have pretty much been written off by everyone. 

“Although I’m the A-side in this fight, I know I’m definitely the B-side. But I kind of like that. There’s no pressure. 

“I have fought on some massive undercards in the past: AJ, Filip Hrgovic, Lawrence Okolie, Katie Taylor. The list goes on. But now it’s my show. I’m the headline. I’ve been co-Main Event. Now it’s my time to headline on my own.

“I’m an awkward day’s work for any man. I’m excited.”

Fight Week Schedule

THURSDAY: Press Conference
Venue: Vertu Place, Co-op Live
Address: 1 Sportcity Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DL
Time: 12pm arrivals for 1pm start

FRIDAY: Weigh-In
Venue: New Century Hall
Address: 34 Hanover Street, Manchester, M4 4AH
Time: 5pm arrivals with fighters on scales from 6pm

SATURDAY: Fight Day 5k
Venue: House of Social
Address: 10 Sir Howard Bernstein Approach, Manchester, M15 4ND
Time: 9.30am meet for 10am start
Sign-up link: https://clubspark.englandathletics.org/MatchroomRunClub/