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To assist with the training for his upcoming WBC Super Middleweight championship fight against reigning champ Andre Ward, Carl Froch has brought in top middleweight prospect Richard Pierson as a sparring partner.
Pierson (9-2, 6 KO) has a style that is comparable to Ward with his speed and power, and will be able to emulate what Froch will face in December.
Under the tutelage of former heavyweight knockout artist and renowned trainer Lou Esa, Pierson is looking to use his skillset to move up the ranks of a strong middleweight division and work his way towards a title fight in the near future.
“I think he (Pierson) can be one of the best middleweights out there in a short time,” says Esa. “He has a lot of drive and purpose, something a fighter needs to give him an edge.”
In his short career Pierson turned heads with his unrelenting attack and his ability to end the fight with one punch. Inactive since last June, Pierson was originally scheduled to fight last week, but the show got postponed.
“We are in the process of putting together another fight for him now,” said Esa. “I am confident that Froch’s team will see the skillset Pierson has and makes a try to get him on the undercard of the title fight in December.”
Esa is quickly becoming well known as one of the top boxing coaches in New Jersey. In addition to Pierson, Esa works with rising welterweight star Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien.
“We have a great team here,” said Esa. “These kids work harder than any fighters I have ever had the opportunity to work with, and it will show when they get into the ring. The boxing world is going to become very familiar with the names Pierson and O’Brien very soon.”
Esa currently trains out of Final Round Boxing and Fitness in Whippany, New Jersey.
Carl Froch will take on Andre Ward for the WBC Super Middleweight championship o Decembenr 10, 2011 in Atlantic City.
