CKP'S SHUFFORD FACES CLAY-BEY JAN. 3 IN NORMAN, OKLA., ON ESPN2

15.12 - International Boxing Association Americas heavyweight champion Charles Shufford, who's promoted by Cedric Kushner Promotions, faces Lawrence Clay-Bey on a card televised by ESPN2 Friday, Jan. 3, in Norman, Okla.

Shufford has a record of 19-2 with nine knockouts and is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over Eliecer Castillo Oct. 13 in Choctaw, Miss., when he won the vacant IBA Americas title.

"It's going to be a tough fight, but I'm going to win it," said Shufford. "I've got to keep my jab working and stay busy to prevent him from landing any big shot.

"After this win, I want to fight somebody in the top 10 so I can get in the top 10 and be in line for a world title shot.

"I'm training hard right through the holiday season. There's no holiday from the ring for me. I'll celebrate the holidays after I win."

In his only other fight during 2002, Shufford took a unanimous decision over Marcellus Brown Sept. 21 in Las Vegas, Nev.

The 29-year-old Shufford, originally from Martinsville, Va., and now living in Las Vegas, has a one-inch height (6-3 to 6-2) and five-inch reach (80 to 75) advantage over Clay-Bey.

The 37-year-old Clay-Bey, from Hartford, Conn., has a record of 17-1 with 13 knockouts. The 10-round, non-title bout takes places at the Thunderbird Wild Wild West Casino.