McIntyre needs ring full with Pompey fans to gain advantage

Joel McIntyre’s foe believes there will be no home advantage for his rival when they meet in their English title rematch.

The pair went head to head ahead of their light-heavyweight clash at a tense press conference at Fratton Park yesterday.

Shinkwin said: ‘As an amateur I boxed in 15 countries around the world against home opponents and I captained England.

‘Unless they are going to throw a load of Pompey fans in the ring with him, I can’t see it doing him any favours. I trust the board of control and judges to do an appropriate job.’

McIntyre responded by branding his opponent ‘arrogant’.

He said: ‘He’s very confident. Arrogant. Whatever you want to call it. I don’t disrespect people whether I think they’re arrogant or not. It’s not my style.

‘I’m ready. I hope he hasn’t been complacent – for his sake.’

– JORDAN CROSS