Anthony Mundine says Jeff Horn is ‘there to be hit all night’

Anthony Mundine’s says he will pounce on Jeff Horn at the first chance he gets at Suncorp Stadium, eager to expose what he sees as a weakness in his opponent’s game.

Anthony Mundine’s eyes burn bright as he says he will pounce on Jeff Horn at the first chance he gets at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night – like a Tiger.

“I’m ready to fight,’’ Mundine said.

“I wish it was tonight. My mental, my physical, my whole being, my whole essence is ready to go.

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“Horn is wide open for counters, that’s the way he fights, wide open. Sure, he’s a strong kid, a real competitor, but he’s there to be hit all night.

“Once I rock him and if he looks dazed, I’m going to finish him. I’ll jump on him like a tiger.

“I’ve hurt big strong fighters – Danny Green and Mikkel Kessler – guys who were much bigger and stronger than Horn. What’s this little cat going to be like when I hit him with that sort of power?”

Mundine credits British surgeon Derek McMinn with giving him a new lease on life and the strength to cause a monumental upset in the River City Rumble.

The 43-year-old who has been making headlines in sport for a quarter of a century, underwent hip surgery in Birmingham two years ago to prolong his career and says the operation gave him a new lease on life.

Anthony Mundine says he’s battled against fighters bigger and stronger than Jeff Horn. Picture: Peter Wallis

Mundine’s movement was so restricted for much of his career that his Brisbane cornerman Chris McCullen recalled many times when the former rugby league flyer turned world boxing champion needed help just to tie his shoelaces.

“I fought on one leg for a long time,’’ Mundine said.

“My hip was about 80 per cent after the surgery and it had improved by the time I fought Danny Green (at Adelaide Oval last year). But now its 95 per cent and my movement is so much better.

“Horn is going to find that out, that he’s all wrong when they thought I was too old or that making 71kg would ruin me.’’

Jeff Horn will attack Mundine from the opening bell. Picture: AAP

Horn is under instructions from trainer Glenn Rushton to destroy Mundine’s confidence as quickly as he can after the opening bell.

“Mundine is a confidence fighter,’’ Rushton said.

“If his confidence is up he’s hard to beat. Jeff has to knock that confidence out of him early and not let him get a start.

“I’ve told Jeff that he has to put his foot on Mundine’s throat as soon as he can and not let go.

“If Mundine gets a sniff of victory he will be like a rabid dog going for the kill.

“He is a very dangerous fighter even at 43.’’

Mundine is quick to agree with that assessment.

“I’m too big, too strong, too skillful,” Mundine said.

“This little cat can’t hurt me. Danny Green couldn’t hurt me and he fought at over 90kg. What’s Jeff Horn going to do at 71kg. He can hit me as hard as he can, he’s not going to move me.

“I plan to break him down late, hurt him late and stop him. I’m going to cut this boy up. I’ll damage him. I want to prove to the whole nation that I’m still the man and this is my show.’’

Originally published as Anthony Mundine says Jeff Horn is ‘there to be hit all night’