Forget Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT is bringing the ultimate heavyweight fight to Birmingham in 2024.
Birmingham City fan Troy Deeney and Aston Villa fanatic Gabby Agbonlahor will clash in the ring for their own derby at St Andrews.
The duo, who have scored 121 goals in the Premier League, are rivals on and off the pitch, given their respective club loyalties.
With the score so high that it will likely be decided, it is expected to be a close battle, and talk of a fierce battle has already begun.
talkSPORT host Jim White asked how the fight went, just days after the pair won the talkSPORT Trophy as teammates.
Former Blues striker Deeney responded: “To be honest, I've been preparing for years. Gabby is always saying nonsense and he's also a Villa fan and a Villa player. So naturally we don't like each other.”
Deeney VS Agbonlahor Details
“We met in Miami probably about eight years ago and he really took a liking to me and it's been going on ever since. Because I personally get annoyed just by Gabby being Gabby. , that is the current situation.”
“It's going to be great,” he added with a hint. “There might actually be a fight in the crowd more than me and Gabby, because it won't last long, so I'll deal with him right away and put him to bed.”
Asked if he liked Gabby, Mr Deeney, who has a Birmingham tattoo on his calf, said: “No, not really. No one does. Gabby doesn't like Gabby, so why does anyone else? Are you going to love me?” he insisted.
“It was good,” Deeney said of the training. “As you can see, he's got a bit of a strain on his shoulder. He's been trained by Rob McCracken, so I'll be fine taking care of him.”
The former striker never thought of losing to his rivals, saying: “There's no way I could lose to a player from Villa, it's impossible.
“I talked to Anthony Joshua, I talked to a lot of boxers that I know, and they said if you're thinking about losing, you've already lost. I will not accept such conversations.”
White asks if this is what he wants to settle an old score, to which Deeney responds, “You're right. Gabby is pretty big so it'll be easy, but he has ropes tied around his ankles so I'm not going to help him.” If you hit him, he'll roll right over.” that's all. “
As for Agbonlahor, Villa's cult hero insists he can't wait to exchange punches with his rival and believes it will become a cakewalk overnight.
Commenting on the controversy, he said: “I have always loved boxing and have been boxing since I was a teenager so I feel I can get the job done for Villa.
“I don't think Troy can withstand body shots. He's going to be affected, a shot to the ribs is going to end the fight, everyone go home and be happy.”
Agbonlahor continued: “I had a few sessions with Spencer Oliver and he's a very good coach and he was really impressed with my power.
“In fact, he said to me, 'If you're on the street, never hit people,' because I'm so strong that they're like weapons in my hands. 'It's a ring. “Save it for life, fight for it,” he says.
Asked for his predictions, he declared, “The first round might be a bit choppy and we might get excited by the Birmingham fans looking for blood and knockouts in the background.
“But I’m going to take my time and finish him off, and I have that power and I can drive that little left hook into the ribs and the fight will be over.
“It will be another win for Aston Villa against Birmingham, because I have never lost to them!”
He even believes he can win the hearts of those he hates in the enemy's stronghold.
The former England international said: “We'll take all the abuse from the Birmingham fans, but if we beat Troy with a shot in the ribs, I'm sure the fans will quiet down.”
“But maybe they'll turn around and say, 'Well, he's not all talk.' Then they'll become Gabby's fans.”
