Undefeated lightweight contender, Ghislain “Mani” Maduma (16-0, 10KOs) is potentially one bout away from fighting International Boxing Federation (IBF) Champion, Miguel Vazquez; however, before this happens, he needs to defeat the tough “Mighty” Kevin Mitchell (37-2, 27KOs) in their lightweight title eliminator on May 31st on the undercard of the Carl Froch v. George Groves matchup at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
Maduma rose up in the 135 pound divisional rankings over the last three and half years to be ranked number three by the World Boxing Council and number four by the IBF. He faces the most difficult test of his young career as he takes a significant step up in competition against Mitchell and will be boxing in front of more than 80,000 pro British/Mitchell fans, by far the largest crowd he has fought in front of.
“I wanted an opportunity to fight for a world title so badly that I`m willing to take a bout against a very good opponent in their backyard,” said Maduma. “I`m not worried about the crowd noise or having this fight go to the scorecards because I`m extremely confident that my superior boxing skills will be the difference maker in this matchup.”
Mitchell lost his two previous attempts at a world title by a fourth and third round technical knockout to former world champion, Ricky Burns and world title challenger, Michael Katsidis, respectively. He has won four in a row and is ranked number five by the IBF. He beat world title challenger, John Murray and Walter Estrada, and Breidis Prescott, who defeated former world champion, Amir Khan.
“This is one of the better boxers I`ve fought in my career and I realize the magnitude of the momentum, which is why I`m in the best shape of my life and why I`ve trained harder for this bout than all my other ones,” said Maduma. “This year is going to be very significant for me and it starts with me making a statement to the boxing world against Mitchell.”
The 29 year old reigning World Boxing Council Continental Americans champion and former North American Boxing Federation title holder, displays blazing speed and an exceptional chin. He also exhibits power in both hands, especially from his left hook that sets up his combinations nicely and led him to knockout 63% of his opponents. Maduma is always in tremendous shape, well-conditioned and demonstrates great boxing intelligence and mental toughness in the ring. These boxing attributes make him an extremely dangerous pugilist that is poised to make his presence known in the lightweight division.
“I know I`m going to have be at my very best and be prepared for whatever he throws at me because Mitchell is a technically sounded and skilled world class boxer, but my fighting career has culminated for a bout like this and I`m more than ready for this fight,” said Maduma. “I`m confident that I`ll be the one who`s victorious.”
The Congo born, Montreal, Quebec native is promoted by Camiile Estephan of Eye of the Tiger Management and trained by Mike Moffa. For more information on Maduma, visit him at www.eottm.com and follow him at Twitter@GhislainMaduma.
“I want to thank my team for all their hard work and dedication for getting me to this point in my boxing career and to all of my fans for supporting me through the years,” said Maduma. “I`ll reward them by having my hands raised in victory on May 31.”