Wednesday 27 May 2015 16:48, UK
There are three world title fights plus Anthony Joshua on Kell Brook v Frankie Gavin but don't miss some potential show-stealers on the undercard, says former world champion Darren Barker.
Brook makes his second defence of the IBF world welterweight title against domestic rival Frankie Gavin - Britain's only ever world amateur champion - on a star-studded night at London's 02 Arena.
Home favourite Kevin Mitchell will make a third bid for a world lightweight title in taking on Jorge Linares for his WBC strap, and by the end of the night Britain could have two new world champions as Lee Selby fights Evgeny Gradovich for the IBF world featherweight crown.
On top of that, there's a certain Anthony Joshua making his 13th professional appearance against former world title challenger Kevin Johnson in an intriguing heavyweight clash - but before any of this, there are three domestic dust-ups to enjoy with two British titles and a Commonwealth title on the line!
Seven bouts of genuine interest on a single night is a treat for Sky Sports Box Office viewers, and first up we've got Derby's Dave Ryan renewing hostilities with Essex's John Wayne Hibbert with the Commonwealth super-lightweight title on the line.
That's followed by a clash between two of Britain's brightest prospects. Unbeaten pair Scott Cardle and Craig Evans go head-to-head for the vacant British lightweight belt. One of them is bound to lose their precious '0' and this will be a teasing glimpse into the future of Mitchell's division.
Then, right before the world title action kicks off, John Ryder looks to snatch the headlines when he faces Nick Blackwell for the vacant British middleweight belt. Having suffered just one career defeat to Billy-Joe Saunders, many feel Ryder could make a big statement on the big stage. It's another to watch out for.
Here, former world middleweight champion Darren Barker offers us his verdict on one of the strongest undercards of recent times...
John Ryder v Nick Blackwell
Darren says: It's a good fight for both of them. Fighting for the British title is a huge honour. I was absolutely buzzing when I won it myself.
Funnily enough I did four rounds of sparring with John Ryder the other day to sharpen him up and he looks spiteful, nice and quick. He looks good. The year and a half I've been out, it seems to have clicked with him. He's full of confidence and had a good training camp in Texas with Ricky Burns and Kevin Mitchell.
Nick is a very good seasoned pro and a good fighter himself, but I think John edges that one. I think it'll be brilliant for the spectator because John isn't afraid to get stuck in but I think he's also got the better boxing brain. He's the bigger puncher as well. With the experience at a higher level with Billy-Joe Saunders and some top sparring, I think that'll be the difference. It'll be one for the spectator.
I did four rounds of sparring with John Ryder the other day to sharpen him up and he looks spiteful, nice and quick.
Prediction: Ryder by points or late stoppage
Scotty Cardle v Craig Evans
Darren says: It seems to have clicked with Scott as well - he seems to be punching a lot harder and I think there's a confidence there now. He believes in himself a lot more. That's showing in his recent performances.
They're both unbeaten fighters so it'll be interesting for the general public. In terms of them both having those '0s' - when I fought Sergio Martinez and lost, I didn't want to lose ever again. I was gutted. That stood me in good stead. Some people it can get the better of and it's all down to the individual but for me, personally, it was an experience I didn't want to feel again. If I hadn't have been beaten by Martinez then I don't think I'd have beaten Daniel Geale.
These two are both young and they're early in their careers with 17 (Cardle) and 14 (Evans) undefeated. They'll both be edgy and nervous but that just makes for a fantastic fight in my eyes.
Prediction: Cardle on points
Dave Ryan v John Wayne Hibbert
I didn't see the first fight but I heard it was interesting. I heard Ryan just nicked it. I saw John Wayne up close lately sparring with O'Hara Davis in the gym and he's looking good, fit and ready. He'll want to avenge that loss and this will be intriguing for the fans because you always want to watch a rematch when the first fight was so close.
I think it will be revenge because Hibbert is on form. Momentum is on his side and I think he'll just get the decision on a close points decision.
Prediction: Hibbert on points
Watch all the undercard live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, with Joshua, Mitchell and Selby also on. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavin
