May 2 (Miami, FL)- Over the past six months, Chicago-based heavyweight Mike Mollo has knocked out Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride and won a “stay busy” fight against Zack Page. With those wins and a #7 rating from the WBA, Mollo finds his patience being tested as he waits for his shot at a world rated heavyweight..
“I’m ready already,” Mollo said. “I wanted to fight the Giant (Valuev), but he got beat before I had the chance. I’d be willing to hand him another loss if that’s what Don King wants. I’m willing to fight any of the champions for a title or any heavyweight in the world in an eliminator.”
According to Mollo’s co-manager, Jerry Attardi, Mollo’s promoter, Don King has turned down three six-figure pay days for Mollo because King prefers to put Mollo in a world championship bout or eliminator. Attardi has plans to meet with Don King in the next week or so to firm up details of Mollo’s next match.
Two of A-Team’s other prospects, light heavyweight Tavoris Cloud (14-0, 13 KOs) and heavyweight Carl Davis (9-2, 8 KOs), are currently training in south Florida and putting the final touches on their preparations for their May 11th bouts in Cicero, Illinois at Cicero Stadium.
Having fought seven of his last eight bouts in greater Chicagoland, Cloud, #6 USBA, #15 NABF and #12 NABO, has become quite the fan favorite in his adopted city for his aggressive, power punching style and fan friendly demeanor.
“Cloud reminds me of a young Marvin Hagler,” said his trainer Al Bonanni. “He has a no-nonsense approach to training and fighting. He’s the type of fighter that makes the fight. Cloud would match up well with any of the 175 pound champions right now.”
“I’m prettier and more destructive than Hagler,” Cloud said. “After seven weeks in camp, I feel like I’m a much better fighter than I was in my last fight.”
“I can’t wait to get back to Chicagoland for another win,” Cloud continued. “I’ve had lots of success there and the fight fans are really great. It’s a beautiful, diverse city and the people are always welcoming and supportive.”
Heavyweight Carl Davis, a Chicago native, is A-Team’s newest boxer under contract. Davis returned to the ring in February with a crushing first round knock out over rugged Nigerian Innocent Otukwu. This was Davis’ first fight in 18 months following the tragic, accidental injury suffered by his friend, Drew Kidd, while they were sparring on Chicago’s west side.
“Drew is the real fighter,” Davis said. “His recovery has been miraculous. He’s walking, talking and getting closer to 100% every day. Drew’s months of rehab were excruciating for him and tough on me too. Now that he’s well on the road to recovery, I’m back. From here on out, every win for me is a win for Drew.”
At 6’4” and 235 pounds, Davis brings to the ring exactly what fight fans want- big time punching power. “Carl is real easy going until he gets in the ring,” Bonanni said. “He hasn’t been tested yet, but one thing is certain, he has knock out power in both hands.”
“I’m having another great camp in Miami,” Davis said. “Sparring has been great and I’ve been working with all different styles of boxers. My defensive skills are improving every day and my confidence level is at a new high.”
“Thanks to my managers Jerry Attardi and Mike Giorango, I have the freedom to focus on my training. With A-Team managing me, I’m having my second fight in 3 months and fighting my first 10-rounder on May 11th in Cicero. Finally, my career is on the right track.”
Another A-Team managed fighter, undefeated middleweight Darryl Salmon (16-0, 4 KOs), was recently rated #15 by the WBO. “Salmon continues to win fights in small venues,” Attardi said. “We’re looking for him to step up in a significant fight soon.”