Interview: David Izon

Interview: David Izon

25.10.01 - Nigeria's heavyweight challenger David "Dangerous" Izon (27-3) 22K O's is popularly known for his impressive KO wins over Lou Savarese in 5th round while previously unbeaten heavyweight Derrick Jefferson was stopped by Izon in 9. Jefferson also lost a second round TKO to WBO heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko March this year in Germany.

Izon, one of Nigeria's highly rated fighter with a devastating punching power won the 1992 heavyweight olympic silver medal in Barcelona the same competition which David Tua captured a Bronze. Izon's perhaps one of the most accomplished amateur boxer Nigeria ever produced.

He has won his last 7 fights by knockout straight in a row since his lost to Michael Grant on January 17, 1998.

Izon who missed several dates with Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Hasim Rahman will now face a new challenge when he squares off with WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitshko now (37-1) 34KO's on December 1, at Jacob Javtis Convention Center, New York City. Among Klitschko's victims are former WBO heavyweight champ, Chris Byrd, former world title challenger, Axel Schulz, David Botice, Monte Barrett, Derrick Jefferson and more but here's what Izon had to say.....

How is your family doing?
We're fine, my wife and kids are doing great.

What's going on with you these days? We learn that you maybe a possible
opponent for Klitschko, is that true?
Yes, Ike. I just signed a contract today but I'm not excited untill I step into the ring. I was suppose to fight Mike Tyson 3 times, Lennox Lewis wanted to fight me in April last year but he switched to Hasim Rahman thinking Rahman was an easy fight but he got knocked out.

What's your impression of Wladimir Klitschko?
I think he's a big and strong fighter. He's taller than me, he's about 6'7 and I'm about 6'2. He has reach advantage over me but I'll study his fight that he lost to Ross Puritty. I saw his last fight on HBO, he looked good. I know I'm the opponent and underdog for this fight. That's the way they think.

Would you regard this as your biggest test?
I don't know untill I step into the ring. I fought strong guys like Michael Grant, David Tua and more so I don't know if he'll be tougher than these guys.

You were originally schedule to face WBC/IBF/IBO heavyweight champ Hasim Rahman in Aug . How did you feel when you heard that Lennox Lewis had to fight Rahman before you could get a chance?
I was so disappionted. I look forward to fighting Klitschko because I haven't fought for a year now. Two days ago made it a year when I fought on Tyson - Golota undercard in Michigan on Oct.20, 2000. When I received the call I told them I would take it because I'm tied of waiting. They started with Lance Whitaker, they wanted me to fight him but they choose Jamal McCline then Klitschko was presented so I took it. We're hoping we can beat him.

You were asked to fight Wladimir's brother Vitali before Chris Byrd did and won the WBO title before Wladimir took it back from Byrd. Why didn't you take the fight that time?
They wanted me to fight his brother in Germany and the money wasn't right for us.

Your prediction against Wladimir, December 1, in New York?
I'm committed to fight him and I'll try to beat him. I've no predictions jsut me and him. No promises to anyone. I'm just coming to fight.

Where will you prepare for this fight?
We'll be here in Florida maybe we'll move to another location later.

Any word for your fans?
It's another night for me. I hope this doesn't fall apart like Tyson, Lewis and Rahman. I want to return to give you a good show. Thank you for all your supports.