Hedges

After Moses Itauma and Conor Benn both experienced losses when skipping the British title route and heading straight for world title glory, Brown said he wants to go on the “journey”.

Chris Billam-Smith and Lawrence Okolie are two examples of those who have recently held the British cruiserweight title and gone on to win world honours.

Brown now holds the British and Commonwealth titles, and could look to European title-holder Viddal Riley next.

Riley, 29, last fought in April when he secured a unanimous points decision win over former world title challenger Mateusz Masternak.

When speaking to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the view of Old Trafford – the home of his beloved Manchester United – sat in the background.

Not since 1993, when Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn’s unification bout ended in a draw, has the stadium hosted a boxing match.

Brown said one day headlining at Old Trafford would mean more to him than belts.

Most importantly, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn sees the vision: “Pat Brown, world championship, Old Trafford. I see it.”

Brown still has a long way to go if he’s to be mentioned in the same breath as former world champion Hatton, but he’s used his latest opportunity to make his mark.

“Pat knows the crack, he knows where I’ve been and this is nothing new. I’m blessed to be here but this is nothing new.”

Hedges has yet to lose in 12 professional fights and faces Brown – who has a won all six of his fights by knockout – for the vacant British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles.

Saturday’s contest was initially due to take place at Planet Ice in Altrincham, but had to be upgraded to the much larger Co-op Live arena due to demand for tickets.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn told IFL TV earlier this week he expected a crowd of around 5,000 at the event.

Brown, who represented Team GB at the 2024 Olympics, has a growing fanbase in his home city and was greeted by chants of, ‘Oh, Patrick the Bomber’, in reference to his nickname.

He has looked relaxed during previous media activities during the week but was very intense when he spoke after both fighters tipped the scales at 14st 3lb (90kg).

“This is what I was born to do,” Brown said.

“Since I was seven years old and my dad took me into the gym – this is what I was born to do.”

When Matchroom hastily arranged an event to officially announce Brown’s signing in 2024, around 300 fans turned out to catch a glimpse of the highly touted amateur.

But persuading 2,000 people to sit in a chilly Planet Ice in Altrincham on a Friday night may be an even better example of Brown’s potential drawing power.

Saturday’s fight was originally scheduled to take place there too but support from his fanbase meant a larger venue was required.

“Altrincham will always have a place in my heart, especially with people moaning how cold it is in there,” Brown said.

“The only downfall are the changing rooms are quite small. I’m quite tall and the ceiling is a bit low, so it’ll be nice to be in a big, open changing room.

“I used to go to that ice rink when I was a kid. To think I’ve actually headlined there on my debut – I can look and smile.”

Brown, who has stopped all six of his opponents with four of his wins coming inside two rounds, has fast established himself as a prospect. He is also aware that, with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in the twilight of their careers, British boxing is craving its next star.

“It’s nice, but I never look at it and crave it,” he said.

“People will either like me or they won’t. I’m never going to change, so if it comes and the country is getting behind me, that’s brilliant.”