09.04.04 – By Ike Enwereuzor – www.Jacboxing.com – Undefeated WBA International Middleweight champion Evans Ashira Oure, now (23-0, 13KO’s), is in Florida preparing for his next fight against New Zealand’s KO artist Maselino Masoe (25-2, 24KO’s). The bout is set for May 1, 2004, at Miami Arena, Florida, and will be for the vacant WBA 160 pounds belt. The event will be televised live on Showtime network.
This is the opportunity WBA International has been seeking for. It will be Evan’s first fight of the year. In his last outing, he fought against German based Nigerian, Jerry Elliott, who Evans stopped in round 9 to retain his WBA International title. He took of some time off from his busy schedule to answer these questions. This is what the WBA International champ had to say:
Ike: How is training coming along champ?
Evan: Everything is moving smoothly. We’re big time ready for Maselino on May 1st, and I’m going to take him out! I like to fight brawlers and punchers, so that is good news for me. I’m getting in great shape for this fight.
Ike: What did you think of Hopkins-Joppy fight last year?
Evans: I saw the fight, and it was a good fight, but Joppy did let Bernard get away with a lot of things that I won’t let him get away with. Joppy didn’t have killer instincit, just trying to survive maybe so he could win his bet. Joppy just got beat up badly. His defense was off, so I guess he was just interested in his betting instead of winning the fight. I know I would
have done better. Bernard needs to watch his back, because I’m getting very close.
Ike: Any comments on Hopkin-Allen III?
Evans: Hopkins will beat him again if the fight happens.
Ike: So, what’s your impression of Middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins?
Evans: He’s a great champion, and has accomplish a lot in the game, but I think I have a big chance against him. I definitely want to fight the best, so I want to fight Hopkins and see what happens. But let me finish with Maselino, first.
Ike: What’s it like working with Don King productions?
Evans: Don King is the best promoter in the world, and things are looking pretty good.
Ike: Please tell our readers about your fight with Jerry Elliott in Germany?
Evans: In order to win in Germany, you need to knock the guy out, and that’s what I did. It was a war! He came out to fight, and I did too! I had my chance, so I couldn’t miss it.
Ike: What’s happening with your boy, Lolenga Mock?
Evans: He’s doing ok. He’s in Germany right now training. He was robbed in his last two fights, but I still think he’s one of the top super middleweights. He just needs the right people behind him.
Ike: What can you tell us about your upcoming fight with Maselino Masoe?
Evans: He’s a good puncher, but I’ll give him a whipping on May 1, and I’ll become the WBA champion. I’m ready to take on all comers, and I’m not going to duck any fighters in my class. My family, friends and my fans from Denmark will be at my fight in Miami, Florida. I want the fans to come out to the arena, or tune in to Showtime to see the African Warrior in action.
Ike: Thanks for your time.
Evans: You’re welcome, Ike.