By Paul Osborne at Manchester Central Convention Complex

Aaron Cook and Lutalo Muhammad could meet in a historic final at the World Taekwondo Grand Final in Manchester today ©Getty ImagesDecember 13 - Aaron Cook's bitter rivalry with Lutalo Muhammad could come to a head at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix here as the pair sit poised to meet in the final should they progress unscathed to that pinnacle stage of the contest.


The pair have been locked in a war of words coming into the event following the controversy over Team GB selection process for London 2012, which saw Muhammad picked to compete ahead of Cook, despite his status as number one in the world at the time.

A long-winded appeals process followed, sparking wide spread media attention.

Muhammad, who went on to win bronze at London 2012, believed that Cook had gone "too far" with his persistent appeals against GB Taekwondo's selection, telling BBC Sport: "It was quite clear that GB Taekwondo was firm in its stance and I think the constant appeals were nasty and unnecessary.

"It was one of the low periods in my life.

"It's not the messages that I received which affected me, it was more that my family were being hounded by reporters left, right and centre - my dad was even being followed to his place of work."

Following the dispute, Muhammad went on to win bronze at London 2012 ©Getty ImagesFollowing the dispute, Muhammad went on to win bronze at London 2012 ©Getty Images



Cook, who switched allegiances to the Isle of Man following the row, insists he has no issue with Muhammad.

"He took his opportunity, he got an Olympic bronze medal out of it, so this is nothing against Lutalo," he said.

"But I was world number one, reigning two-time European champion and that was my spot.

"For whatever reason, it got taken away from me."

Although he did add: "If that fight happens, there's only going to be one winner and that's me."

Aaron Cook moved to the Isle of Man in his anger over GB Taekwondo's decision not to select him for London 2012 ©Getty ImagesAaron Cook moved to the Isle of Man in his anger over GB Taekwondo's decision not to select him for London 2012 ©Getty Images



With the two having the potential to meet in tomorrow's final here,  Muhammad claims he has his attention firmly set on the competition as a whole insisting the encounter would "just be another fight".

"I realise it would be a significant fight because of the history involved," agreed the reigning under 87kg European champion.

"But if it happens it is really just another fight.

"There are 30 other guys who I need to worry about: Olympic and world champions keen to show why they won those titles.

"So, Aaron really isn't my big concern even if other people want to focus on it."

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Related stories
December 2012: Cook to switch to Isle of Man following London 2012 snub
October 2012: Cook considers nationality switch following GB Taekwondo London 2012 snub
August 2012: Muhammad takes taekwondo bronze medal as Stevenson is shocked by first-round exit
July 2012: Team GB right not to pick world number one for London 2012 says international governing body
June 2012: Lack of finance forces Cook to give up London 2012 taekwondo appeal