Zharnel Hughes lays down challenge to Team GB team-mate: 'Just so he can shut up'
Zharnel Hughes says athletics must take a page from boxing's book when it comes to hyping up rivalries and Britain's fastest man is already preparing to land a knockout blow on Matthew Hudson-Smith.
The 100m and 200m national record holder and 400m Olympic medallist Hudson-Smith have spent months challenging each other to a duel over 300m. But as track and field faces an uphill battle to win over new audiences, Hughes is convinced two of the country's best facing off would 'bring the excitement.' He even wants a pre-race square off - just as pugilists would during their weigh-in.
'I'm done with the talking about it, I really want to make it happen,' says Hughes before Saturday's British Championships at Alexander Stadium. 'If we were to have a preview like in boxing where you step up like on a weight scale, you go in each other's faces; you might have a little bit of backlash at each other.
'It would be pretty cool if someone could pick it up and be like, 'Okay, seeing that you guys have been talking about it for quite some time, let's make this happen.'
'See where it goes from there. I would actually like it to be in Birmingham. That's where he is from. Let's compete in Birmingham – just so he can shut up.'
Hughes says 'the only thing that's holding us back' is a meet organiser willing to host the battle. But he knows there is a growing responsibility for athletes to put themselves out there, adding: 'You have to be in the faces of people if you want their attention.'
As for how he thinks the race would go, in the sprinter's view there can only be one winner. 'I'd beat Matt. He would tell you, 'I'll beat Zharnel'. I will beat Matt, that's for sure. I know he wanted the lane arrangement to be I'm in lane seven, he is in lane six.
'I will definitely blast out, get myself ahead of him, he will be there. I have a quicker 200m than him. So I will separate a little bit from him. But he will start to close down the latter part of the race, that I know for sure.
'The last 30m are where I will hit the lactic wall and him being a 400m athlete will start to come through stronger than I will. It's just for me to race in the last 30 metres.'
Hughes' assessment of this evening's competition over the 100m, which includes world indoor 60m champion Jeremiah Azu, is less detailed though with a place in next month's World Championships in Tokyo at stake
'I'm not focused on them,' he adds. 'If I focus on my craft and try to better what I'm trying to fix in each race, that's what matters to me.
'Obviously there will be competition but I know for a fact that I'll be showing up healthy and ready to compete and giving my best. I try not to let it consume me. At the end of the day, I want to go into the trials relaxed. Because you don't want to be going in there too tense.
'It causes too much pressure on yourself. There's too much weight on your shoulders. You don't need that when you're going into a high, intense competition already. I'm looking forward to just going through the rounds and managing the finals and do what I need to do – and that is to secure my win.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Jurgen Klopp could play crucial role to help Liverpool complete Alexander Isak transfer
Jurgen Klopp is now a leading figure at Red Bull and he's central to their pursuit of Harvey Elliott - which could help fund Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak Liverpool remain keen on landing Alexander Isak, who has told Newcastle he wants to seek pastures new - with the Reds already seeing an opening bid for the Swede rejected. They tabled an overall over worth £120million, but that was knocked back by their Premier League rivals. The Magpies value Isak closer to £150m after seeing him establish himself as one of Europe's leading No 9s since moving to St James' Park. Liverpool have already spent well over £200m but could still break the British-transfer record for the second time in a single summer. Their transfer efforts will be aided by more money coming into the club and former manager Jurgen Klopp is now Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull and plays a major role in their recruitment. Bild reports that Klopp is particularly keen to bring Harvey Elliott to RB Leipzig with the Englishman tipped to move on this summer. Despite having options to remain in England the German, who bought Elliott to Anfield back in 2019, wants to lure him to the Bundesliga. Elliott has seen his stock rise this summer after excelling at the U21 Euros with England, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He is being eyed by the likes of Brighton and West Ham, but Leipzig represent a chance for him to head overseas. Liverpool are looking to bank around £50m if they are to let Elliott, who only started two Premier League games last term, leave. That fee would also represent pure profit and further bolster their transfer kitty ahead of a renewed move for Isak. Germany has proved to be an excellent environment for English talent to thrive. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made their names at Borussia Dortmund, are shining examples of how heading to the Bundesliga can be hugely beneficial for one's career. The 22-year-old acknowledges he needs to be selfish with his next move and said recently: 'If I had it my way, I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that. I love everything about the club. But at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish with myself and see what's best for me. "I have big ambitions, I want to get in the World Cup [squad], keep being successful as a player. I think it's still something I need to review, I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. Obviously we have many new players that have come in, so whether it blocks the path for me, I'm not sure. It's something for me to decide and have a look at. As I said, just review the situation." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Evidence Man Utd's £74m Benjamin Sesko deal isn't a total gamble as Jude Bellingham beaten
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, and one of the striker's statistics that beats out Jude Bellingham may reassure fans that the move is no gamble Incoming Manchester United recruit Benjamin Sesko is the top scorer under the age of 23 in Europe's five biggest leagues over the past two seasons. Ruben Amorim appears to be getting a new No. 9 in the form of RB Leipzig star Sesko, who is the subject of a £65.3million bid from the Red Devils, which could rise to nearly £74m if certain add-ons are achieved. Premier League rivals Newcastle have also shown interest in the striker and have put forward a more lucrative proposal than United's, but the 22-year-old's preference is a move to Old Trafford. Sesko is currently training separately from his Leipzig colleagues, according to a statement released by his club, and while some have expressed doubts about his abilities and hefty price tag, his goal-scoring statistics speak for themselves. Over the last two seasons, no player under the age of 23 has scored more goals than Sesko in Europe's top five leagues, as he's netted 39 in just 87 matches, reports the Manchester Evening News. This puts him one goal ahead of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and five goals ahead of Florian Wirtz, whose summer transfer to Liverpool could set a British record if certain add-ons are met. In fourth place on the list is Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala, who has racked up 33 goals during this period, followed by PSG's Bradley Barcola and German ace Maximilian Beier on 26. Sesko's impressive goal-scoring record, outperforming some of Europe's top young talents, will be a welcome sound to Amorim's ears. It suggests that the 22-year-old won't be overwhelmed when he arrives in Manchester, and United are fully committed to Sesko, having already agreed personal terms with him. Current Red Devil Rasmus Hojlund, who also scored 26 goals during this period, underscores the gap between him and Sesko. Despite not being entirely goal-shy since his £72m move to Old Trafford in 2023, the Dane has struggled to meet high expectations. Now, it seems likely that Sesko will join United, and Hojlund is reportedly prepared for the possibility of being pushed out if the Slovenian signs. Just two seasons after his £72m transfer, Hojlund could be available for as little as £30m, less than half of what was originally paid for him. However, during United's pre-season tour of the US, Hojlund expressed optimism about his future, stating: "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. "I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. "I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that. "Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool's Alexander Isak transfer plan given £165m boost as he honours Newcastle request
Alexander Isak is having to train away from his Newcastle team-mates in the afternoon amid continued interest from Liverpool, who are in negotiations to see more players exit Anfield Liverpool target Alexander Isak arrived for Newcastle training after being told to train away from the first-team with the Reds' recent activity potentially funding their next bid for the Swede. Isak has made it known to the St James' Park hierarchy that he wants to explore a move away from the club and Anfield is seen as his likely destination. The striker missed the club's pre-season trip to Asia and Eddie Howe has taken a firm stance over his conduct. The frontman is not training with the first-team and has been told not to report in until later in the afternoon when his team-mates had left - which he duly did amid the ongoing speculation around his future. Isak recently took himself off to his former club Real Sociedad's training complex with the Newcastle manager only finding out via the media. He frustration was evident recently as he said: 'The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad and you have to act in the right way. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.' Liverpool's opening offer of £120million was turned down by Newcastle, who value Isak at £150m. Any move would need the Magpies to either lower their demands or force the Reds into smashing the British-record transfer for the second time in one summer. Arne Slot has already spent more than £200m with Florian Wirtz his marquee signing. Hugo Ekitike has also been signed as a No 9 but Isak is still being pursued to further compliment a frontline that includes Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Recent exits at Liverpool - with more potentially following - could yet fund a more for Isak and help keep Liverpool comfortably inline with the PSR regulations. Luis Diaz called time on his spell at Anfield by joining Bayern Munich with the German side paying £65.5m to land the Colombian. Darwin Nunez is expected to follow Diaz out the exit door and Al-Hilal have come forward and become the Uruguayan's likely destination. The Saudi Arabian side have expressed a willingness to pay £50m for the striker, who has fallen down the pecking order under Slot. The Liverpool manager could also see Harvey Elliott seek pastures new. The playmaker has admitted he will need to be "selfish" when it comes to his next move and his stock has risen after being named the best player at the U21 Euros this summer. A move, potentially to RB Leipzig, could bank the Reds £50m. All meaning they may pocket more than £150m from transfer exits in the space of two weeks. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
