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The final press conference and official weigh-in for tomorrow night’s International Boxing Challenge pro-am show, featuring the Interim WBC Latino Super Middleweight title fight between unbeaten Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (13-0, 11 KOs) and undefeated Argentinean prospect Abel Nicolas “El Princdipito” Andriel (10-0, 2 KOs), was held this morning in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The 10-round main event between Oliveira and Adriel, which is believed to be the first battle of undefeated boxers from archrivals Brazil and Argentina, will be streamed free starting at 9 PM/ET by going to Oliveira’s selftitled website.
Interim WBC Latino Super Middle Championship, 12 rounds
Michael Oliveira: 167.5 lb/75.9 kg
Abel Nicolas Adriel: 163.5 lb/74.1 kg
Middleweights, 4 rounds
Douglas Ataibe: 155.5 lb/70.5 kg
Valdevan Pereira: 158.25 lb/71.8 kg
Final Press Conference Quotes:
Michael Oliveira:
“Thanks (Team Adriel) for coming here to my home country and giving me this opportunity to expand. May the best man win.
“Our rivalry (Brazil vs. Argentina) is a factor but not the main factor. Both of us want to prove that our country is better…not just in soccer. I’ve trained hard and given it my all. Now only God knows what will happen.”
Abel Nicolas Adriel:
”I’m very happy to be here. I feel strong for this fight. It’s important for me to be part of this event and a great opportunity for my career. Michael is a very good fighter, so it’s going to be a good fight. Both of us are still developing and this fight is good for both or out careers.
“I am very confident and fully prepared to win. I’ve trained two months for this fight. I’m looking forward to winning the title and bringing it home to Argentina.”
Carlos Oliveira, promoter of event and Michael’s father:
“We were here last November and I said back then that we were here to stay. Our goal is to get professional boxing back in Brazil. There is a lot of talent here in sports, not just in soccer.
“We’re working here with a new generation of boxers, professionals and amateurs. Brazil will host the World Cup (soccer) in 2014 and the (Summer) Olympics in 2016. We are part of that process. I thank TV Global and our sponsors for their support and believing in us. We have proven ourselves to be professionals.”
