Exclusive: Top Trainer Jamie Moore Warns Federico Grandone to Expect a 'Baptism of Fire'

After being told he is about to face a “dream” fighting machine, Federico Javier Grandone has been warned that Pat Brown is in a malevolent mood ahead of their battle at Altrincham’s Planet Ice arena.

A former GB Olympian and Podium Squad member, Brown makes his long-awaited professional debut against the Argentine on Friday night following a storied amateur career.

From Greater Manchester, the 25-year-old this week thanked Grandone for accepting an invitation to face him after his initial opponent, Czech Vladimir Reznicek, pulled out of the contest at short notice. 

After hearing promoter Eddie Hearn describe his charge as a future ‘People’s champion’ and the next face of British boxing, trainer Jamie Moore acknowledged that Brown’s personable manner is even more of a draw than the explosive power he carries after more than 2,000 of the cruiserweight’s friends and supporters snapped-up tickets for the event.

But he told Grandone that Brown’s show of gratitude towards him during Wednesday’s pre-show media conference disguised a burning desire to inflict serious punishment on his first adversary in the paid ranks.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Moore revealed: “Pat is a brilliant guy but, I tell you what, I’ve noticed a different demeanour about him the closer the date gets. He’s surly now. Much more straightforward than he usually is."

"That’s a good sign for me, because I know what he’s all about. Pat is in that zone now. There’s been a change in him.”

“To be honest, Pat is as close as you can get to the dream fighter,” Moore continued. 

“There’s no airs or graces about him. He’s humble. He’s down-to-earth. There’s no big ego there."

“He can talk well too. But, make no mistake about it, he can fight as well. It’s just in him. That streak you need."

“Everything you can possibly ask for as a coach, it’s there in Pat.”

HEARTBREAKING DEFEAT

Brown has not fought since appearing at last year’s games in Paris, where he suffered a heartbreaking first round split decision defeat to world silver medallist Keno Machado of Brazil.

But many astute observers within the sport insist Brown is better suited to the pro game, with sparring partners reportedly impressed by both his technical prowess and spiteful approach inside the ropes. 

Those qualities persuaded Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom and head of its boxing division, to award the Sale based athlete a lucrative long-term contract after he called time on his amateur career.

Moore, who held the British, Commonwealth and European super-welterweight belts before hanging up his gloves a decade-and-a-half ago, said: “On the night, I’m sure Pat is going to have a few nerves. That’s natural."

“But while they can consume some people, they’ll have the opposite effect on Pat. I’m sure of it. I have got this feeling that the nerves will fire him up and really get him firing on all cylinders. That makes him very dangerous.”

“I’m excited myself,” Moore added. 

“Debuts are always exciting and I get excited because I remember what it felt like myself."

“I always tell my fighters in this position: It’s going to be a roller coaster, It’s not always going to be like this because, in this game, there will be some down moments - whatever shape or form they come in."

“But those are the moments that you really learn from. I don’t like getting presents. I prefer giving presents to receiving them."

“I know what’s coming for Pat and I feel blessed and happy that I can help him.”