Jeff Horn backs Brisbane’s Deedee Hobbs for world title shot

Brisbane’s Deedee Hobbs, who trains beside Jeff Horn, will have his support when she fights American Mary McGee for the IBF women’s world light-welterweight title in Hammond, Indiana next week.

Deedee Hobbs with Jeff Horn. Picture: Annette Dew

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While Jeff Horn has been giving ground to Tim Tszyu in an effort to make their big fight happen, he’s told teammate Deanha “Deedee’’ Hobbs she can’t concede a thing when she challenges for the world light-welterweight title in America next week.

Hobbs, who trains beside Horn at the Stretton Boxing Club, leaves Brisbane with their trainer Glenn Rushton on Monday to fight American Mary McGee for the IBF women’s world light-welterweight title tomorrow week in Hammond, Indiana, just outside Chicago.

She will go from the searing heat of Brisbane to subzero temperatures in America and a white hot reception from the local hero.

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Hobbs has the edge to win in America, Horn says. Photo: Annette Dew

Horn says Hobbs, who until recently smashed cars for a living at a western Brisbane wrecking yard, is fit and strong and ready to cause a boilover in America’s frozen mid-west.

``Deedee is a really dedicated fighter and she will give it everything she has,’’ Horn said. ``She knows she has to win every round to win the fight over there.’’

Hobbs, who went the distance with Greek world lightweight champ Christina Linardatou in Athens in her last fight, has a record of eight wins, and one loss. McGee has 26 wins in 29 fights.

Rushton has had Hobbs sparring highly rated men’s junior-welterweight James MacDonald in preparation for the world title challenge.

Deedee Hobbs attacks New Zealand’s Baby Nansen at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on December 15, 2018. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

“This is definitely a fight Deedee can win,’’ Rushton said.

“McGee isn’t super quick. Deedee hits hard, has a great chin and has the stamina to put the pressure on from the first bell to the last.’’

Horn hopes that Tszyu will today agree to terms for their light-middleweight fight which is tentatively set for mid-April, probably in Perth.

He has agreed to Tszyu’s demands for a 12-round fight with no rematch clause but is asking for a 70/30 purse split.