By Terence Dooley

Promoter Eddie Hearn presented the press the opportunity to hear from the undercard fighters earlier today ahead of Saturday’s fight between IBF heavyweight titlist Charles Martin and Anthony Joshua at London’s O2 Arena.

While most of the talk has focussed on Martin-Joshua, the undercard has an interesting all-British encounter between Brian Rose and Matthew Macklin as well as Lee Selby’s IBF World featherweight title defence against Eric Hunter.

“This is a monstrous top table with some of the top fighters in the world,” stated Hearn when opening proceedings.

The bill will be televised live on Sky Sports Box Office here in the U.K.; here is what Sky’s Head of Boxing Adam Smith had to say: “There are some fantastic fights this weekend. Lee Selby has so much ability and so much talent. Jamie McDonnell will fight anyone, anywhere.”

McDonnell (27-2-1, 12 KOs) meets late substitute "Not That" Fernando Vargas (29-9-3, 20 stoppages). The WBA World bantamweight titlist does not care who is in the other corner, he just wants to show people what he has been working on in camp.

“It is a tricky test on Saturday,” he said. “I've training for 20 weeks. It is the best I've felt going in to a fight. I want to steal the show.”

He added: “All I want is the big fights. I believe I can unify the division. [IBF champion Lee] Haskins and [WBA Super World holder Juan Carlos] Payano are both on my radar.”

As mentioned above, Macklin (34-6, 22 KOs) and Rose (28-3-1, 8 KOs) are taking part in a crossroads fight, the vacant IBF Inter-continental light-middleweight title and plenty of pride are on the line.

There will be further options for a the winner, a lot to think about for the loser. Rose believes he has more left out of the two. He said: “There is a lot on the line for both of us on Saturday. I believe I've got more left in the tank—I've had no injuries.”

Macklin, though, believes he can prune Rose down to size and move on after securing a win. “Styles make fights and I can't see our styles not making for a great fight,” argued Macklin. “This is the perfect fight for me at this stage of my career.”

Scotland’s David Brophy (16-0-1, 1 KO) is facing a massive step up in class, he meets George Groves (22-3, 17 KOs) for the vacant WBA International Super middleweight belt. Brophy, though, told the press that he is not just there to make up the numbers.

“This is a massive opportunity for me on Saturday—I don't mind being the underdog in this fight,” admitted Brophy. “I just want to give a good account of myself and get noticed on Saturday. I'm taking this fight very, very seriously.”

“I’m looking forward to boxing in London again,” added Groves. “Brophy is a good fighter and nice guy. Saturday night you are in for a treat.”

Armchair fans will be hoping that Hunter (21-3, 11 early) is a ‘My fists do the talking type’ as his take on the fight against Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) was short and sweet. “I'm just here to fight,” he said.

Selby was also sparse with his words, saying: “The O2 is like a second home to me. I'm back here making my second defence.”

The televised section of the show will begin at 6pm here in the U.K.

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