Hughes' fighting talk builds buzz for sprint duel

HUDSON-SMITH IN ZHARNEL'S SIGHTS

- By Alan Smith

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.

Hughes, 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 younger 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.