January 08, 2008
OSAKA, JAPAN
There was a press conference of a forthcoming WBC and WBA bantamweight title bouts on Tuesday in Osaka, Japan. When WBC top ranked European bantam champ Simone Maludrottu (26-1, 9 KOs), 29, replied to a question of a Japanese press, people burst into laughter. Maludrottu, a handsome Italian challenger, said, gWe, European boxers, wonft speak big nor shout loudly before the title bout like in the US. Wefre modest people.h
It might be a strange press conference from the viewpoint of US fight fans, since all the four contestants were so sportsmanlike and sincere that they wonderfully showed their high respects to the opponents each other.
WBC bantam defending champ Hozumi Hasegawa (22-2, 7 KOs), 27, also praised the official challengerfs good credentials and good manner. The Japanese southpaw, making his fifth defense, said, gWe have almost similar physique, but I have a better experience than Maludrottu, having defended my belt since my coronation.h Asked about his experience of having fought southpaw opponents, Maludrottu said, gI have met five or six lefty opponents, so I have no problem.h
WBA bantam ruler Wladimir Sidorenko (20-0-2, 7 KOs), 31, replied on his impression on his WBA#4 Japanese challenger Nobuto Ikehara (27-1, 19 KOs), also 31, saying, gHe has a same peek-a-boo style with me, and he has physical power and also seems to have mental strength. I donft take him lightly.h Asked about his advantage to the champ, Ikehara said, gIfm taller, if not more experienced in world title bouts. Ifll show my heart against the strong champ who has kept his title five times.h
The officials are as follows:
WBA: referee Rafael Ramos (US); judges Sergio Caiz (US), Erkki Meronen (Finland) and Michael Lee (Korea); and supervisor Alan Kim (Korea).
WBC: referee Kenny Bayless (US); judges Duane Ford (US), Victor Cervantes (Mexico) and David Sutherland (US); and supervisor Eric Buhain (Philippines).
Yesterday (Monday) all the four received a medical examination and the JBC doctor says, gAll have excellent condition without showing any symptom of dehydration. All seems good athletes.h
Tomorrow there will be a weigh-in ceremony at 2:30PM at a hotel where Sidorenko and Maludrottu are staying without having to move to another place, which may show our fairness and hospitality.
This world title twinbill, called gWorld Premium Boxing,h will be presented by Akihiko Hondafs Teiken Promotions in association with Shinsei and Osaka Teiken Promotions. It will be shown in Japan, Ukraine and Italy as well via satellite.
(1-8-08)