Set to meet on Friday night, live on DAZN, Gilley and Brown could produce a Fight of the Year contender with both men known for all-out action inside the ropes.

Making his debut at middleweight, Gilley is ready to begin a new chapter after losing to Ishmael Davis in November when the pair met for the British and Commonwealth titles at super welterweight which stung for the former with the bout taking place at the home of his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.

Gilley never heard of Brown before fight announcement

Following the defeat to Davis, Gilley was desperate to get back in the ring, so much so that he took this fight on the Collins-Lorente undercard without even knowing his opponent.

It was only after his place on Friday night was locked in did he find out that it would be the unbeaten Brown in the opposite corner.  

“I’d never heard of him before I was matched up with him,” Gilley told DAZN News. “He’s a nice guy, I met him at the press conference.

“He’s done well to get himself out of a bad patch in his life, he’s doing really well and putting himself into contention for titles.”

Compared to Gilley who is preparing for his 22nd professional contest, Brown is only nine fights into his career, but his unbeaten record has been created in some style.

Four of the nine wins have come by way of knockout, with the 35-year-old quickly gaining a reputation as a must-watch prospect.

For Gilley, facing a knockout puncher such as Brown is nothing new. Instead, he is ready to take any punishment coming his way.

“I know he’s a puncher, but I’ve seen it all before. Louis Greene knocked out everyone at 154 and the only personal he did not knock out is me.

“I’ve got a really good chin, I know I can take his shots, I spar bigger boys all the time.”

‘Brown has not been pushed by a proper fighter’

All the pressure will be on Brown in what could be a breakout moment for his career.

Fighting in the co-main event at a packed OVO Hydro in Glasgow, the majority of fans will be urging the Scot to get the win over Gilley, but it’s easier said than done.

Gilley is someone who thrives in a boxing war, and is no stranger to being involved in a Fight of the Year contenders.

“I love having a scrap.

“My hands are quick, very fast, and I can punch with both hands. Most of my knockouts have been late, I can carry my power right the way through the fight.”

When it comes to the best way to beat Brown, Gilley is ready to bring the Scotsman into uncharted territory. Brown has not been past the sixth round in any of his nine professional fights so far, and Gilley is ready to give Brown his first proper test.

“Aston has not been past six rounds, he’s not been pushed by a proper fighter yet. He’s been knocking people out he’s meant to be knocking out.

“He’s got a tough, tough man in front of him.”

Gilley targets retirement at 35

Gilley has made no secret that he is looking for the biggest fights and the biggest pay days at this stage of his career.

Hearing comments such as these makes you think whether retirement is on the horizon for the ‘Magic Man’. Boxing since he was 11 years old, Gilley has risen through the ranks the hard way and is yet to feel satisfied with the rewards of prize fighting, and its ability to have things set up for life in retirement.

Speaking candidly about his future, Gilley emphasised that he wants to make sure the 20 years of hard graft pays off, but he did place a four-year deadline on when the gloves will be hung up for good.

“I’ve been doing this since I was 11 years old, I’ve done a lot of stuff for free.

“I want to make sure this 20-year slog in boxing pays off. It’s pointless me dedicating my life, putting all my eggs in one basket, and still skint at the end of it.

“Retirement is a thing I do think about. I’m looking forward to being fat and happy, instead of a salad and having the hump, I don’t think that’s going to come about until I’m 35.”

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