BLACKWOOD’S Craig Evans is vowing to make a mockery of the bookies who have pitched him as a rank outsider in Saturday’s British title fight with Scott Cardle after a lively scrap with the Lancastrian at Wednesday’s press conference.

The undefeated duo clash as the main undercard fight of Saturday’s huge PPV bill at London’s O2 Arena, battling to claim the British lightweight title, but have already come to blows following a lively press conference that saw security forced to separate the duo, considered among Britain’s top boxing prospects.

The entire occasion – from the press conference to fight night - represents a huge step up in class and interest for Evans (14-0), but the 25-year old tells Argus Sport he’s brimming with confidence.

“It feels normal, I’ve got to look at it as just another fight, there haven’t been extra nerves or pressure,” he said in an exclusive interview from St Joseph’s gym.

“At the end of the day, it is just going to be the two of us in the ring, the build-up is different, but my training hasn’t been. It has been a hard camp.

“It is a big step up in class for me, massive, he’s 17-0 and has never lost, but that’s the same as me.

“Everyone in our camp respects Scott Cardle, I’m not sure they feel the same way though. To me it feels like Cardle’s team are underestimating me a bit.

“With the bookies I’m 3/1, but he hasn’t done an awful lot more in his career than I’ve done in mine. He’s won three more fights.

“I think I’m more than capable of beating him and will do on Saturday. My team fancy me. My promoter Frank Warren is showing faith in me, giving me this chance to fight on a Matchroom show. It’s potentially a huge stepping stone for me.

“It’s my first ever title fight and it’d be a great one to win; I’d love to be a British champion.”

Evans is delighted with his preparation and admits there is a huge buzz in the Newport gym with stablemate Lee Selby bidding to win a world title.

“I’ve been doing great training in the camp, I feel fully prepared for it,” he said.

“The night is absolutely massive for St Joes, if Lee Selby and I win, it is going to be absolutely massive, and we’ll put Welsh boxing on the map big time.

“It is a 50/50 fight and should be one for the fans; I think it’ll be entertaining.

“I like training at St Joes, it is better being at home and the sparring and vibe in the gym is excellent.

“Some of the sparring, people would pay to watch. It gets very intense.”

Evans credits Cardle for agreeing to fight him and is expecting fireworks in the ring.

“I’ve been treading water in my career, I’ve been promised all these big fights, but everyone ducks me. One time recently I had 11 fighters pull out of negotiations,” he said.

“I’m suffering from the fact I’m not a big enough name to match my talent, people see me as too much of a risk. So credit to Scott Cardle for not ducking me like Liam Walsh who pulled out on me twice, as have many others.

“I haven’t been watching much of him (Cardle). I don’t like watching opponents, it makes me scared!

“I’ve seen him fight, he’s a counter-puncher and I think the fight will be like a chess match.

“He’s the home fighter and will want to impress and I expect him to make mistakes.

“I’m stepping up a weight but feel I’ll take the power with me. I’m confident I can bring that belt home and I know Lee Selby will win the world title. It could be a very special night for us.”