22.11 - When undefeated Dutch heavyweight Richel Hersisia climbs into the ring on November 30 at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom on Curacao, the island on which he was born and lived until his teenage years, he will oppose the most threating opponent of his entire boxing career so far when duking it out with Argentinian puncher Eduardo Sandivares over 12 scheduled rounds.

Sandivares, a 33-year-old from Cordoba, has lost only once in 13 professional outings when he got stopped by former world champion Marcelo Dominguez for the South American crown - hardly a disgrace against a known quantity like Dominguez. Of his dozen wins, nine came by way of knockout, which should guarantee the Caribbean boxing fans a dynamite clash, seeing as Hersisia himself has scored 12 KO's in his 15 wins.

Local promoter Ivan Conradus confirmed that the price for the survivor of the two will be the currently vacant WBA Central American (Fedecentro) crown. Originally, Hersisia was told to contest the WBC Caribbean (CABOFE), but a dearth of quality heavyweights hailing from the Caribbean meant that no suitable opponent could be found from within the Caribbean aera.

"Richel is ready to go 12 hard rounds if needed. He has worked hard with (trainer and former European champion) Mourad (Louati) and I have no doubt he is ready for a step up in class," said manager Olaf Schroeder of Germany's Fight Production, "He knows that now is the time for him to deliver."

Yesterday was the last sparring for Hersisia and he will fly out to Curacao with Louati on Sunday to finalize preparations on the island. Manager Schroeder will join his team later next week.