Guillermo Rigondeaux promises explosive Fireworks display New Year's Eve in Japan

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Undefeated, unified world super bantamweight champion  Guillermo Rigondeaux training in Japan  OSAKA, Japan (Dec. 29, 2014) -- After enduring a frustrating year in which he has fought only once, unified world super bantamweight champion Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 KOs) is prepared to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title belt this Wednesday, New Year's Eve, against WBO No. 6 rated challenger Hisashi Amagasa (28-4-2, 19 KOs) at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka, Japan. Rigondeaux, who resides in Miami, is also the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super and The Ring Magazine super bantamweight champion. The 34-year-old Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, arrived Dec. 21 in Japan and the pound-for-pound star is extremely grateful for the overwhelmingly warm reception he has received from countless Japanese boxing fans who've watched him train or approached him in Osaka. Last July in Macao, Rigondeaux successfully defended his WBO/WBA Super titles, destroying challenger Sod Kokietgym (63-2-1) in the opening round of the ultra-skilled Cuban's lone fight to date in 2014. The 5' 10 ½" Amagasa towers over the diminutive Rigondeaux, who is 6 ½ inches shorter than his Japanese opponent. Rigondeaux, however, isn't concerned in the least about their differences in height because of his past success against many taller foes. "This is my second time fighting in Asia this year," Rigondeaux said. "I am very frustrated that the other world belt holders are running scared and won't fight me. It's disgraceful that we couldn't find a world-class, 122-pound fighter to fight me, so, I would like to thank Amagasa for dropping down from featherweight (126 lbs. division) to challenge me. I will put on an explosive fireworks display on New Year's Eve in Japan." Unfortunately, Rigondeaux vs. Amagasa will not be televised in the US or Europe, however, there will be an estimated 30-million Japanese fans tuning in to watch 'Rigo' perform. Japanese press have reported that Rigondeaux is the biggest star to fight in Japan in nearly a quarter-century, since "Iron" Mike Tyson fought against James "Buster" Douglas there in February 1990, describing Rigondeaux as a "Monster Superstar." 'We have already been offered a fight against another Japanese challenger in Japan this coming May," Rigondeaux' manager Gary Hyde added. "Rigondeaux is in tremendous condition, as always, and we are very confident going into this fight on New Year's Eve that 'Rigo' will put on a another stellar performance. "In January, we will sit down and discuss the terms of a promotional contract that was initially offered to us this past summer and is now back on the table. Hopefully, we will come to an agreement with this promotional company and 'Rigo' will be back fighting on mainstream television networks in 2015." Hyde also reported that if, as reports have circulated, WBC super bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (20-0-1, 16 KOs) is seriously interested in fighting Rigondeaux, "Rigo" will return from Japan to fight Santa Cruz in a major unification bout January 17 in Las Vegas.  Santa Cruz is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in the 12-round co-feature on a card headlined by the WBC heavyweight title fight, airing live from MGM Grand on Showtime, between defending champion Bermane Stiverne and mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder.

Cuban trainer Ismael Salas in Beibut Shumenov's corner

Beibut Shumenov (R) in action (photo by Emily Harney) LAS VEGAS (Dec. 8, 2014) - After being self-trained for his last three fights, former World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov (14-2, 9 KOs) is now working in Las Vegas with highly-regarded Cuban head trainer Ismael Salas. Salas, who has trained world champions such as Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriokis Gamboa, Danny Green, Jesse Vargas and Jorge Linares, is preparing Shumenov for his cruiserweight debut this Saturday night (Dec. 13) against West Virginia fighter Bobby Thomas Jr. (14-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the NABA US title, on the Golden Boy Promotions-presented Khan-Alexander card at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. "I've had a lot of changes after my last fight," the 31-year-old Shumenov said. "I trained myself for the last three fights but now I have added a great trainer, Ismael Salas, to my team. "I come from Kazakhstan and I was taught the Soviet Union boxing program.  The Cuban boxing program has a lot of similarities, so, for me it was easy to pick up Ismael's teaching method.  The addition of Ismael to my team, along with a few other minor changes, has brought about a real positive environment. I look forward again to going to the gym every day and having fun."   "There was chemistry between us from the beginning," Salas explained. "In Beibut, I found the old Russian and Cuban boxing fundamentals, so, it was easy for me to approach Beibut's style but in a professional manner. We talk with all key members of Team Shumenov to discuss his weekly training, including sparring, to do everything the right way. "We started working together in September and fortunately I provided the right tools he needed for his style. Since the beginning I've explained to him that I wouldn't change his style, just improve it and approach him about working angles better. His strength is toughness and power punching. All he needs is to maintain his game plan. As long as he stays healthy going into a fight - that is most important - moving up to cruiserweight will not affect his power and mobility." WBA No. 2 rated cruiserweight Shumenov, a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who lives in Las Vegas, captured the WBA light heavyweight title January 29, 2010 by way of a 12-round decision over Gabriel Campillo. Fighting as a professional in only his 10th  professional bout, Shumenov established the fewest-fights record for the light heavyweight champion of a major organization with his victory over Campillo.   Shumenov successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight title belt five times against previously unbeaten mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (DEC12), former world champion William Joppy (KO6), multiple world title challengers Danny Santiago (TKO) and Enrique Ornelas (DEC12), and previously undefeated Tamas Kovacs (TKO3). Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

Manager Gary Hyde signs Bulgarian amateur star Blagoy 'Golden Boy' Naydenov

Blagoy Naydenov (center) collected numerous gold medals as amateur boxer. CORK, Ireland (Dec. 3, 2014) - International boxing manager Gary Hyde has announced that his company, Nowhere2Hyde, has signed 18-year-old Bulgarian amateur star Blagoy "Golden Boy" Naydenov to a long-term contract. Naydenov's long-range goal is to become the first Bulgarian-born male world champion of a major boxing organization. Last summer, Naydenov captured a gold medal at the prestigious Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, to go along with his championship winning performances at the Under-19 World Championships and Under-17 European Championships. Naydanov was considered a top contender, if not the outright favorite, in the light heavyweight division at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, but he decided to turn professional and sign a managerial deal with Hyde. He is expected to make his pro debut in January, either in the United States or Germany. "I am absolutely delighted to add one of the best amateurs in the world to our team," Hyde said. "I reached out to Team Naydenov during the past two years to sign this 'Wonder-Kid' and I am obviously very excited that he has decided to turn pro under my guidance. At the tender age of 18, Blagoy will be a major force in the light heavyweight division in a couple of years." Hyde has quickly developed into a power-broker in worldwide boxing as manager of a growing list present, past and future world champions, including WBA Super & WBO super bantamweight champion and two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 KOs), WBA Interim cruiserweight champion Youri "El Toro" Kalenga (21-1, 14 KOs), former WBO middleweight champion and current IBF mandatory challenger Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam (31-1, 18 KOs), former world junior middleweight title challenger Michel Soro (23-1-1, 13 KOs) and Georgian junior welterweight prospect Levan "The Wolf" Ghvamichava (13-1, 10 KOs). Born in Sofia, Naydenov was a member of the Slavia Boxing Club, also the home-base for the last boxer to defeat the great Floyd Mayweather, Jr.,Serafim Todorov, as well as Olympic champion Daniel Petrov. Todorovc defeated the 19-year-old Mayweather by way of a controversial decision in their semifinals match, 10-9, at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.   Petrov was a light flyweight who won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics and silver at the 1992 Olympics. Naydenov is a highly technical boxer who enjoys fighting on the outside, but he's equally adept at mixing it up inside, if needed. "The decision to turn pro wasn't a very tough one," Naydenov told Bulgaria Today. "The money isn't enough in Olympic boxing. The initial plan is to fight 5 or 6 times a year."

Claudio 'The Matrix' Marrero Growing into a World Champion

Dominican featherweight returns Friday in Pittsburgh vs. Felix Perez

Claudio "The Matrix" Marrero  (pictures by Rey Sanchez) MIAMI (August 5, 2014) - "The Matrix," world-rated featherweight Claudio Marrero(15-1, 11 KOs), has to be seen in order to truly appreciate his tremendous athleticism in the ring. The dynamic Dominican returns to the ring this Friday night in Pittsburgh in an eight-round bout against former World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX champion Felix Perez (8-6, 3 KOs), of Puerto Rico. "He is a very elusive, aggressive southpaw who can pick apart his opponent, counter-punching from the outside," Marrero's manager/head trainer Herman Caicedo described his 25-year-old fighter's style.   "He uses his jab and effectively cuts-off the ring. He's learning how to not complicated things, even with his style he doesn't have to avoid every punch, and he knows he has to sit in the pocket more to be even more effective." Marrero learned a valuable lesson August 23, 2013 at Turning Stone Casino, when he suffered the first and only loss of his professional career by way of a close 12-round decision (116-111, 115-112, 114-113) to Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar (22-1) for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title. In retrospect, the then 24-year-old Marrero had only 14 pro fights under his belt, and the quantum leap into a world title fight, even an interim, was somewhat premature. "Maybe it was a bit premature," Marrero admitted, "but at the end of the day, it was a world title fight opportunity. It just wasn't my night but that loss has made me a better fighter. I've never been egotistical, always a humble man, and that fight humbled me more and I'm a bigger man today because of it. I learned that I have to be 100-percent at my best to win a big fight." Marrero has a rich amateur pedigree, finishing with a sterling 297-12 record and, at the tender age of 17, he lost by a mere single point to two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning unified world bantamweight champion, undefeated Cuban great Guillermo Rigondeaux, in an amateur bout held in Havana. Training the last four years in South Florida has provided Marrero with invaluable sparring sessions with Rigondeaux and another Olympic gold medalist from Cuba,Yuriorkis Gamboa, also a multiple world champion as a professional. "Everybody benefits from that sparring, not just me, but probably me more than anybody," WBA No. 6-rated Marrero explained. "I fought 'Rigo' in the amateurs and have had more than 100 rounds sparring with both him and Gamboa. I've gained a lot more confidence in my skills having sparred with them." Caicedo. who also manages and trains undefeated bantamweight Juan Carlos Payano (15-0, 8 KOs), a two-time Dominican Olympian scheduled to challenge WBA Super bantamweight Anselmo Moreno on September 26, believes Marrero is special because of his unique talent as well as the sacrifices he has made. "I think he needs two or three more wins and then he's in position for another world title fight," Caicedo remarked. "The fight he lost was a little premature - he was still a baby in boxing - but the opportunity arose and we took a shot. He learned a lot and he's on his way back to the top. "Claudio is very reserved. He deeply cares about family, especially his wife and three-year-old son. He is very dedicated, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to be world champion. Look at what he's sacrificed the last four years, leaving his family in the Dominican Republic to train here. He only gets to go home once or twice a year. It's a lot easier for other guys to sacrifice when they go home every day after training. He lives in the gym; always happy and training hard." A Dominican brotherhood among boxers has helped Marrero better deal with separation from his family, in addition to him living in a foreign country in which he doesn't speak its native language, English. "I believe there is a strong brotherhood of Dominicans who support each other worldwide in professional boxing," Marrero concluded. "I admire Joan Guzman for breaking away from the Dominican to accomplish all he has in boxing. I've oftened looked to him for advice." Follow Claudio Marrero on Twitter @MarreroMatrix.

Ivan 'The Terrible' Redkach Real TV fighter & new USBA lightweight champion

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 23, 2014) - Newly crowned United States Boxing Association (USBA) lightweight champion Ivan "The Terrible" Redkach (16-0, 13 KOs, 1 NC) picked up more than hardware last week headlining ShoBox: The New Generation. The ferocious southpaw firmly established himself in Memphis as an exciting "television fighter" for the future with tremendous upside. Redkach may not have made the quantum leap from prospect to legitimate world title contender, yet, but he gained invaluable experience going 10 rounds for the first time against a game and somewhat awkward Tony "The Lightning" Luis (17-2-1, 7 KOs), who is rated No. 9 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and has been chief sparring partner for world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux. Redkach won a unanimous decision (99-90, 97-93, 97-93), dropping a game Luis once in an action-packed fight from start to finish. "I was pleased with my performance and I'm very happy and proud to be the USBA champion," Redkach said from his home in Los Angeles. "We both showed a lot of heart and I think we gave TV fans a show. I want to thank Showtime, my promoter Lou DiBella and manager Larry Army for that great opportunity. I went 10 hard rounds against my toughest opponent and learned a lot that will help make me an even better fighter. I know I could have made it a lot easier on myself if I had fought in the middle of the ring and stayed away from the ropes. But boxing is all about learning and improving and fans will see that in my next fight. I'll take a week or so off and go right back into the gym to get ready for my next fight." Redkach, rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), fell short of achieving his goal of making the quantum leap from top prospect to legitimate world title contender in only his 17th professional fight. "A world champion in the making like Ivan needs to be taken into deep waters under stressful conditions," Redkach's manager Larry Army explained. "Fighting in his first ShoBox main event certainly was stressful but he went the full distance and won a real war. We had never seen Ivan go deep, so in that respect, it was a perfect fight for us. We learned that he's three or four more fights away from a world title shot, but we believe in him even more than ever as a future world champion. He now realizes that he can't knockout every opponent but he can still win fights. Ivan needs some fine tuning and more big-fight experience as he continues to chase his dream of winning a world title."  The 27-year-old Redkach is going through a normal maturation process in the ring, developing as he tests himself against more talented opponents, in order to eventually reach his full potential. His Ukrainian star is still rising. It just may not reach its zenith as quickly as initially anticipated. Someday he will get to where he ultimately wants to be, standing in the middle of the ring with his arms raised, and a coveted world title belt wrapped around his waist. ABOUT ELITE MANAGEMENT: Founded in 2008 by Atty. Larry Army in Massachusetts, Elite Management is a full-service boxing management firm focused on branding professional boxers. Elite Management is a proven expert in responsibly reviewing contracts, developing talent through effective matchmaking, gaining positive press, and attracting sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for athletes. Mr. Army is highly respected for successfully building a fighter's team: researching, interviewing and securing the right trainer, strength-and-nutrition coach, nutritionist and cut-man.   He is also known for organizing training camps for high-profile fights, as well as obtaining paid sparring partners.

WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION SCOTT QUIGG DEFENDS TITLE THIS SATURDAY AGAINST DIEGO SILVA ON AWE AND AWETV.COM

EXCITING TITLE BOUT TO BE CO-FEATURE TO MUCH ANTICIPATED FROCH – GROVES SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY ON AWE

SAN DIEGO (November 20, 2013)—This Saturday afternoon at 3pmeastern / 12 noon pacific on AWE & AWETV.COM, one of the most anticipated all-English showdowns will take place as WBA/IBF Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch takes on undefeated George Groves. Before that big fight, there will be a 12 round WBA Super Bantamweight title bout between undefeated champion Scott Quigg and #14 ranked Diego Silva.

Quigg, who is 26-0-2 with 19 knockouts just fought to a draw with undefeated Yoandris Salinas just seven weeks ago on October 5^th.

“Training has gone well,” said Quigg when reached just three days before the fight. “I was at the gym just two days after the Salinas fight. I am improved and am ready for Saturday.”

“It was my team’s idea to come back so quick as I wasn’t hurt and I am a gym rat. I wasn’t hurt or bruised at all so everything should be good on Saturday.”

Quigg knows that the fight with Silva (29-2-4, 15 KO’s) could make for an entertaining appetizer for the main course that is Froch and Groves.

“We have seen a few tapes. He comes forward and is aggressive. That will make it good exciting for the fans.”

While being relatively unknown to the American fight fans, Quigg knows that this is a big opportunity to throw his name into the mix for big fights.

“I want to be in the big fights. There is pressure to perform as I want to make some noise across the pond. This is a big platform so I can make this happen.”

Quigg also knows that there are a lot of significant names to make those fights a reality.

“Rigondeaux is obviously the number-one guy in the division but there is Leo Santa Cruz, Kiko Martinez and even Vic Darchinyan if he goes back down to 122 lbs that can make for great fights for me.”

One name that wasn’t mentioned but is first and foremost on his mind as a future opponent is undefeated Carl Frampton of Northern Ireland.

The two have been linked to fighting each other for a couple years now and a win over Silva can make this fight the next biggest fight in the United Kingdom after the conclusion of Saturday’s main event and the recent cancellation of the Heavyweight battle between David Haye and Tyson Fury.

“I want the Frampton fight. We made him an offer and the fight didn’t happen. It’s good to have him as a rival and after Carl and George get done on Saturday, that is the biggest potential fight in the United Kingdom.”

“On Saturday night, I am going to prove that I am the real deal and the best in the division.”

50-Cent's SMS Promotions Signs James Kirkland

For Immediate Release Returns to ring Dec. 7 on HBO vs. Glen Tapia   James Kirkland NEW YORK (October 16, 2013) -- Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's SMS Promotions officially announced its signing of world light middleweight contender James "Mandingo Warrior" Kirkland (31-1, 27 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract. "James concentrates on conditioning and building strength,"50 Cent said.  "He brings the fight to you and is aggressive in the ring. The crowd loves the action and I'm excited to make him a part of our team." "I had a relationship with 50-Cent before he came into the boxing business," Kirkland explained.  "We already had a friendship when he got this group together.  He can do what no other promoters can do.  He's a different type of promoter who can make things happen in and out of the ring for me.  It's clear to me that I made the right decision." Due to problems outside of the ring, the 29-year-old southpaw from Austin, Texas has been inactive since stopping Carlos Molina in the 10th round of their March 24, 2012 fight in Houston. Kirkland successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas 154-pound title belt, originally captured November 5, 2011 when the knockout artist registered an impressive sixth-round technical knockout of Alfredo Angulo (20-1) in Mexico. Molina is now the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) World light middleweight champion, while the WBA No. 5-rated Angulo recently lost a World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim championship fight. Kirkland returns to the ring December 7 as part of an HBO tripleheader, headlined by Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Joseph Agbeko, also featuring Mathew Macklin vs. Willie Nelson, from Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In the third HBO fight, Kirkland faces undefeated prospect and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light middleweight champion, Glen "Jersey Boy" Tapia (23 KOs), from nearby Passaic (NJ).  Rated No. 10 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as No. 14 by the IBF, the 23-year-old Tapia is a rising star who had a 130-4 amateur record and gained invaluable experience as Manny Pacquiao's former sparring partner. "I had this great opportunity come along with Glen Tapia," Kirkland spoke about his upcoming fight.  "He just doesn't have what comes with knowledge in boxing, but he will know that December 7th.  There are different levels of fighting, as they say in the street, and he hasn't fought anybody at my level in his 20 fights.  I don't talk too much before a fight but, he doesn't have to worry about being 21-0, because I'm going to knock his ass out December 7th. "The proof is in the pudding.  All I have to do is put in extra work and that's what I've been doing.  I'm not overlooking him.  This is his 'Mayweather' fight.  He wants to win and be an exciting fighter on HBO.....that's not going to happen!  It all comes down to me boxing at my best; I can beat anybody at 154 pounds or 160, name anybody. Who does what I do?  There are a couple of cats at 160 who can put on a great performance but, right now, I'm concentrating on Glen Tapia.  Congratulations for him getting this fight but we are at different levels."     In addition to his aforementioned victories over Molina and Angulo, Kirkland's other notable wins have been against Brian Vera (TKO8), who just lost a controversial decision to Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Joel Julio (TKO6) and Eromosele Albert (TKO1). Although Kirkland will have been inactive 20 1/2 months when he fights Tapia, the explosive Texan doesn't feel ring rust will be a problem at all for him.  "A lot of people know that I haven't been on a long layoff," Kirkland concluded.  "I've been working hard since the beginning of my lawsuit. Now that things are in motion, I'm jumping right into the mix.  My sparring sessions are like fights for other guys." Fans may follow 50-Cent on Twitter @50cent and friend Kirkland athttps://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Kirkland/736672159693254. SMS Promotions' growing stable of fighters also includes two-time world featherweight and reigning Interim WBA lightweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight titlist Billy Dib, former world super middleweight title challenger Andre Dirrell, undefeated lightweight prospect Mark Davis, light welterweight Luis Olivares and junior welterweight Donte Strayhorn.

Iain Weaver Wins in Style On Pro Debut - And Gains A New Manager!

European Silver and Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold medalist Iain Weaver made the long awaited transition to the professional ranks, on Saturday night at the Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

Weaver put on what can only be described as a truly sensational performance, against Poland’s Damian Lawniczak.

 

Throughout the enthralling contest Weaver showcased his exceptional skills to an appreciative crowd on way to winning by a shutout 40-36 points margin.

Amongst those at ringside was Gary Hyde, manager of Super Bantamweight king Guillermo Rigondeaux, who was clearly impressed with Weaver’s performance as straight afterwards he began discussions to manage the 23 year old Dorset lad.

Earlier today a clearly happy Weaver spoke of the fight, as well as the possibility of Hyde guiding him through his professional career.

“It was nice to get back into the ring after a year waiting.

I took it easy in the first round, I wanted to feel him out a bit. Stepped it up a bit in the second and started to land some good clean shots, in the last two rounds I started to hurt him a bit so he started to hold more.

He’s very experienced, he gave me a good fight but I feel I put on a good performance, even though I had some ring rust as I haven’t fought in the past year.

It must have been a good performance, because Guillermo Rigondeaux’s manager Gary Hyde, who had flown over to watch me, said he was happy with the performance and said he can do something with me as a manager, so it must have been a good performance.”

Iain Weaver Interview: Talks Pro Debut, Luke Campbell, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Vasyl Lomachenko etc.

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro


This coming Saturday one of the UK’s top amateur stars, European Silver and Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold medalist, Iain Weaver makes his long awaited professional debut at York Hall in London.

Back in July last year Iain was on the verge of hitting the big time, pro boxing wise, promoter Eddie Hearn had convinced him to sign with his Matchroom Sport concern with the promise of debuting on his September Alexandra Palace mega event, headlined by Darren Barker’s return.

However this failed to materialize, due to the British Boxing Board of Control refusing to license him after his brain scan highlighted a cyst.

Various appeals followed after independent neurosurgeons cleared him as fit to box, as the cyst was genetic, had been there all his life and presented virtually no danger to his health.

One of the neurosurgeons even stated, that during his career he had only seen one similar type of cyst bleed, and that was due to the person received major trauma after being involved in a serious road accident.

Even though Iain had enjoyed ‘elite’ status as an Amateur, fought 115 times and represented his country at the highest level with the cyst, as well as having various top neurosurgeons clear him, the BBBofC still
refused to license him.

Earlier this year Iain successfully applied for a Spanish license, however as soon as it was announced, that he would be fighting in London on the 27th, the BBBofC successfully lobbied the European Boxing Union to assist
in persuading the Spanish Federation to revoke the license.

Never one to give up, Iain successfully applied to a different European sanctioning organization for a professional license and finally makes his professional debut at York Hall in London this coming Saturday.

I met up with Iain at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town as he finalized his preparations for his long awaited pro debut.

Initially I had asked Iain about the ongoing saga, it had only been a few days earlier that he had been informed that he has been successful in his latest license application, but it was clear that the 23 year old from
Ferndale in Dorset felt uncomfortable discussing the whole sorry affair, much preferring to talk boxing in general.


Rio: Finally you get to pro debut this Saturday at York Hall, it’s been a bit of a drama getting here but now you are, so how do you feel with your first fight being just a few days away?

Iain: Yeah, I think it’s great, I can’t wait to get into the ring. It’s been a long time coming, the 27th can’t come quick enough though.


Rio: You’ve had a great amateur career, what would you say are the highlights of your career?

Iain: I think the highlights were really the European Silver medal and the Commonwealth Games, I won the Commonwealth Youth Games and the Commonwealth Seniors, that was a great experience for me.

It was really special to be a part of them and you know traveling the World with all the other GB lads was a great four years of my life.


Rio: The transition from Amateur to Pro is not always an easy move, how have you coped with the different areas in making the move?

Iain: To be honest, I’ve always had a bit of a pro style anyway. I’ve always suited the pros better, I always started slow in the amateurs and tended to lose the first round and got stronger as the fight goes on. I think doing more rounds will suit me better.

I’m really looking forward to my debut as I feel I should have been fighting pro much earlier. If I hadn’t been on the Olympic squad and had a chance of going to London 2012 I probably would have switched earlier.


Rio: Since you bought up the Olympics, your nemesis Luke Campbell is turning pro with Matchroom Sport, so in the near future we could have ‘Groves-DeGale’ type of showdown between you two again, this time on the
pro circuit.

Iain: Definitely, he suited the amateurs, he was hard to beat, he was a good kid for the weight, three threes suited him, but the pros are a different ball game and I think it’ll suit me more than it’ll suit him.


Rio: I’m going to stick with the amateurs – in your opinion who has been the standout amateur boxer, past or present?

Iain: To be honest it’s either (Guillermo) Rigondeaux from Cuba or Lomanchenko from the Ukraine.

I’ve been in tournaments with Vasyl Lomachenko and I’ve seen him first hand and he is a very special talent.

After watching Rigondeaux the other weekend and watching videos of him in the amateurs, I’ve got to say he’s probably one of the best amateurs ever as well as a World class pro.

He’s a southpaw and he’s quick, I watch him and try and get tips so I can do things that he does.


Rio: I Know Rigondeaux is already in the pros and a unified World Champion, but that aside who are your favourite pro boxers?

Iain: Yeah, but Rigondeaux’s got to be right up there, but when I first started making my move to the pros my coach said I reminded him of Pernell Whitaker.

I didn’t really know too much about him, didn’t know who he was, so I looked him up on YouTube and that’s the style I like, the style I like to fight at.

Yeah, Pernell Whitaker is probably my favourite one. Oh and I was born on the same day as Muhammad Ali, so he’s one of my favourites also.


Rio: Thank you for taking some time out from your preparations to talk with me and good luck on the 27th, although I’m sure you don’t need it.

Iain: No problem, I’d like to say to your readers, it’s going to be a great show, there’s even a big title fight headlining. It’s not on TV, so the only way to see this is get down to York Hall on Saturday.


Iain Weaver will be making his debut, against a yet to be named opponent, on the undercard of the Oisin Fagan versus Chris Goodwin WBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title clash, that headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27th April 2013.


Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor)  and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person from Iain himself or alternatively at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA - www.tkoboxinggym.com - or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB - www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com - Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.