Jack Massey: Okolie doesn’t like getting hit, fight won’t go the distance

Jack Massey will be taking a big step up in competition on July 6 in Manchester, when he faces British and Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie on a card that will air on Sky Sports and DAZN.

Massey (16-0, 8 KO) understands that there are people who will question the matchup, but he’s just happy to get the chance.

“We’ve wanted this fight for a long time so when I got my opportunity, I grabbed it with both fucking hands,” said Massey. “I’ve seen a few people knocking me for getting a shot at the belts but it’s time to let everyone know who I am. If they don’t know who I am now, then they definitely will after this fight. This is my time to shine.”

The 26-year-old Chapel-en-le-Frith native also commented on the difference in their opposition, and on the social media beef between himself and Okolie (12-0, 9 KO).

“There’s no doubt that he’s had better opposition than me. This is a big step up for me but I’m ready for it,” he said. “We’ve had a bit of back and forth on social media but it’s just banter isn’t it? He says that I’ve been giving him shit on Twitter but it’s important to remember he was the first one to do it. He was calling me out after his third fight.”

While Massey hasn’t been in with even notable domestic fighters yet, he believes he sees weaknesses in Okolie, 26, that he can exploit.

“I’ve got it all to gain here. To me, it seems like he doesn’t like getting hit and he won’t like it when I connect with him,” Massey said. “I don’t think he’s ever has been hit as hard as I hit in a fight. They’re looking past me a bit definitely. I’m hungry and I’m on my way up. He’s had the big fights and got a bit of money in his pocket and I’m still driving a Fiat Punto about. He had his eyes on other fights but I’m hungry for this and I’m ready to go.”

Massey also isn’t worried about the 12-round distance, and doesn’t expect to see it.

“I’ve only gone eight rounds once and that’s it. I’ve done six rounds a few times. I don’t think it’s going to go the distance though,” he said. “I’m looking to put it on him. I think I’ll be too explosive for him when I let them hands go. There’ll be punches in bunches and I’ll let them hands fly. I’m going to be smart about it and take my time to find those little pockets and openings. As the rounds go by I’ll get on the inside and work him.”