Nikolai Valuev (photo by Photo Wende) has worked hard to get in shape for the WBA heavyweight title fight against John Ruiz on August 30. After starting his preparations in St. Petersburg, he travelled to Germany in early August to continue training in Kienbaum. In order to relax from all the exhausting work-outs, he often went swimming. “That was a lot of fun and really helped me to relax,” he said. “I really enjoyed it..”
For Alexander Zimin, the swimming was a nice break from the training sessions. “It is important to get a rest from time to time,” the coach said. “Swimming is very good for Nikolai´s body and his shape.”
Valuev even brought special flippers to training camp. “They proved helpful,” he said with a smile. “But I am still a far cry away from Olympic records.”
Remillard experiences change of opponent, not focus
Godfrey-Nwodo NABF title fight headlines “Title Wave,” Aug. 29 at Mohegan Sun
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (August 20, 2008) – Up until this past Monday, unbeaten WBC Youth featherweight title-holder Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (14-0, 7 KOs) was scheduled to fight WBC Continental Americas featherweight champion Adalberto “Terrible” Borquez (18-6, 17 KOs) on August 29 in “Title Wave,” live on ESPN Friday Night Fights from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Remillard, fighting out of nearby Manchester (CT), is now taking on 2-time world title challenger Antonio “T-Rex” Davis (26-4, 13 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant WBC USNBC featherweight championship.
“I don’t mind,” Remillard discussed his change of opponent. “It won’t affect me because we’re so close to the fight and I’m prepared to go 10 or more hard rounds. I fight whoever they put in front of me. It’s a shame Adalberto pulled out. I’ve been looking forward to fighting him and preparing for his style. All I needed was one day to tweak the difference in their styles. I think it’s much more important for me to be in shape to go 10 hard rounds than who I’m fighting.
“I’ve fought twice before on ESPN, but in swing bouts, not scheduled like this one. It’s a big deal. Everybody watches ESPN Friday Night Fights. I’ve got a foot in the door but a win August 29th against Davis will open more doors and help get my name out there nationally. Everybody he’s (Davis) lost to have been world champion, fought for the world title, or is contending to fight for a world title.”
In his last fight 11 months ago, Davis lost a 12-round decision to WBO featherweight title-holder Steven Luevano. Antonio’s other losses included a 12-round decision to WBO super featherweight champion Joan Guzman, as well as to former title challenger Koba Gogaladze by 12-round majority decision. The only time Davis has been stopped was in his fifth pro fight to Edner Cherry, who fights WBC light welterweight champ Timothy Bradley for his belt on September 13.
“Davis started his pro career late when he was 29,” Remillard continued. “Sometimes a long amateur career takes a beating on a fighter’s body but, so far, Davis has done well for his age (36) and obviously he’s taken good care of his body. Some younger fighters have underestimated him thinking that, due to his age, he’s slower than he really is. I’m taking him seriously, though, preparing to fight him at his peak, not thinking about his age at all.”
NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey defends his NABF cruiserweight title against Emmanuel Nwodo in the 12-round main event headlining “Title Wave,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. Providence native Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) is rated No. 5 by the WBC, while Nigerian-born Nwodo (22-4, 18 KOs) is a former USBA champion currently rated No. 12 by the WBA and No. 14 by the WBC.
Also fighting on the card in a Special Heavyweight Attraction, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), of Providence, continues his mission in the heavyweight division against Texas State champion Domonic Jenkins (13-8-1, 6 KOs).
Ledyard’s (CT) undefeated super middleweight Brian Macy (4-0, 1 KO), 2000 National PAL champion and U. of Connecticut graduate, meets Shawn Kirk (4-2, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout. Light heavyweight Keith Kozlin makes his pro debut in a four-round bout versus Borngard Washington (0-3).
Hartford’s popular welterweight Addy Irizarry (5-2, 2 KOs) meets her toughest challenge to date in former world champion Yvonne “Silk” Reiss (7-12-1), while Mystic (CT) super bantamweight Karen Dulin (0-1) faces Christina Leadbeater (1-1, 1 KO) in a pair of four-round, female bouts. Two additional bouts are being finalized. All fighters and bouts are subject to change.
Tickets for “Title Wave” are priced at $30.00, $45.00, $75.00 and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com, at the Mohegan Sun box office or any TicketMaster outlet.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.