20.12.07 – Nine time Australian Heavyweight Champion Bob Mirovic today announced that he has parted ways with trainer & manager Angelo Hyder citing he has lost faith in him and wished to make the most of what he has left in his career..
Speaking for the first time publicly since Hyder was advised he had this to say “I am a realist in knowing that I am heading towards the end of my career and it will be a one step at a time approach. I have every bit of confidence in Jeff perhaps bringing out the best in me without the theatrics and face slapping antics of Angelo. I knew my time was up with him when I had to warn him on the stool not to slap again as I am sick of it. I am the first person to acknowledge that “you cant teach an old dog new tricks” however I believe Jeff’s first to the punch and aggressive go forward style of training maybe just what I need to finish off my opponents. I have given a great account of myself against many top 5 world rated opponents and feel that perhaps if I had Jeff in my corner against Hoffmann or Botha that I would have had a better chance of winning the fight. I have known Stuart Duncan a long time and approached him to take over my career in the hope that he can get me meaningful fights in the USA. I have every bit of confidence in the team I have surrounded myself with and look forward to a big 2008.
Trainer Jeff Fenech said that he was looking forward to working with Bob and felt he knew how to improve on Bob’s style without necessarily trying to change it too much. “Anyone who saw his fight with Timo Hoffmann in Germany would know he was robbed. You only have to look at his fight 5 months ago where he took Francois Botha 44W – 4L the distance over 12 rounds in South Africa to know that Bob still has plenty left in the tank. We will take a warm up fight early in 2008 and I will spend plenty of time preparing him for a good opportunity mid year”.
Manager Stuart Duncan confirmed he will be back in the USA early January, though he was doubtful anything could be arranged then. “Nothing happens in January in boxing over there, all the decision makers & matchmakers are on vacation” said Duncan. He confirmed that “Bob will take a warm up fight in Singapore or Indonesia early in the New Year and then look at getting a defence of his Australian Title in as well before taking on something more meaningful in the USA. The warm up fight in Asia will give Jeff & Bob a chance to try out what they’re doing in the gym and Nathan Briggs is interested in challenging for the Australian Title which will be the perfect test for Bob before we step it up. With regards to a fight in the USA mid year there are plenty of well known heavyweight of similar age to Bob that would be suitable. James Toney would make for a good fight with the networks over there over 10 rounds as would a shot with Evander Holyfeild. Chris Byrd and a couple of other guys I am getting video on now and hopefully we can make something happen mid year”.