Andre Rozier, trainer of newly-crowned WBO Interim World Middleweight Champion Avtandil Khurtsidze, believes his man will ‘beat down’ undefeated Hatfield star Billy Joe Saunders when the pair face-off for the full WBO crown.
Khurtsidze – a short, stocky beast of a boxer – silenced the Leicester Arena crowd on Saturday by heavily flooring Birmingham’s Tommy Langford with a brutal left hand early in the fifth round to secure the vacant Interim strap.
Saunders and Khurtsidze had to be separated at a heated post fight press conference in Leicester and it looks like the war of words will continue until they settle their differences in the ring.
Speaking to Boxing Scene’s Steve Kim, Rozier said: “We’re going to get ready and we’ll probably put together a camp at SNAC over in San Fran and do what we have to do to make sure he’s prepared to keep pressure on Billy Joe, keep him off-balance and beat him down, literally.”
A confident Saunders replied to Rozier’s prediction via his Twitter account this morning, stating: “…until he plays the game of ‘Eat the Jab’ and I break his heart and stop him!”
Billy Joe Saunders Promises To Make Khurtsidze Look ‘Stupid’
Birmingham’s Tommy Langford was beaten by Avtandil Khurtsidze with a fifth-round stoppage as the Brooklyn-based Georgian claimed the Interim WBO Middleweight belt to set up an intriguing bout against undefeated WBO World Champion Billy Joe Saunders.
Khurtsidze came out swinging, putting Langford under relentless pressure from the off. He caught Langford a couple of times with his vicious left hand and barely took a step back during the opening rounds.
British Champion Langford was drawn in to a slugfest at times, unable to keep the 5′ 4″ ‘mini Mike Tyson’ at bay. It was a huge left hand from Khurtsidze that finished the fight, Langford dropped his hands and was unable to avoid the shot.
Saunders was unimpressed with Khurtsidze’s win, stating: “No disrespect to him but I will show you what he is when I fight him. All he is to me is a puffed up Danny De Vito coming forward throwing punches.
“He will never beat me ever and I will make him look stupid. Tommy should have got on his feet and made him miss and made him pay.”
Burke believes Friday‘s Showdown Is Not To be Missed
Joshua Burke believes his battle for the belt with Dilly Singh in Birmingham on Friday is “one not to be missed.”
They go toe-to-toe for the vacant British Challenge cruiserweight title at the Venue in a clash that is scheduled for eight rounds on BCB Promotions’ ‘Heavy Artillery’ show.
The two sparring partners touch gloves competitively in their first title opportunity for a contest neither dare lose.
They headline the bill at the Icknield Road fight scene, in the Edgbaston area of the second city this coming Friday, 28th April.
Wolverhampton’s Burke doesn’t have as much time on his side after turning 30 and already has two defeats on his pro record. He was left kicking himself after the second loss.
An errant gumshield came out of his mouth six times over a four-round bout against Russell Henshaw, with referee Kevin Parker docking him two points as he was defeated 39-36.
Burke did a six-rounder in just his second paid outing, too, which resulted in a 58-57 points defeat where he again lost a point for holding in the third.
Luck hasn’t been on his side and he must become the first pro to beat Singh, who has reeled off three points victories, to become a champion.
Burke said: “It’s a massive opportunity for us both, it’s a big fight and a big test for me. We’ve sparred before, so we know each other’s game well.
“There’s respect between us and I know I’ll have to give it my best shot to win, so I’ve put everything into my training camp and built up my fitness.
“He’s going to try and take me out if he can and, if the chance comes along, I’ll do the same. One of us could go at any time.
“It’s one that the fans won’t want to miss, it’s a 50-50 fight and that’s what you want to see when there’s a title on the line.”
Burke regrets ‘gumshield gate’ at Walsall Town Hall last November but also has two victories on his pro ledger, on points over Lee Jones and Rolandas Cesna.
He added: “It’s been a massive learning curve for me so far and I’ve had to show a lot of guts just to get this far.
“I picked up a gumshield on the week of the last fight and it wasn’t moulded or fitted properly, which I take full responsibility for. I have to put that behind me now, though.”
Brummies Luke Heron (middleweight) and Aaron Murphy (cruiserweight debutant) are also in action.
Leamington’s Michael Cole features at super lightweight while welterweight Ryan Davies, from Tividale, also turns over for his bow with Old Hill’s Manny Zaber completing the line-up at super featherweight.
Tickets are £35 standard and £60 VIP ringside. They are available now by calling 07961 294 209.