Serious Slugger Vasquez Focused On Slippery Stylist Stevenson

ByBoxing Press

Amidst the high altitude of the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, top rated welterweight prospect and Western Pennsylvania fan favorite Sammy Vasquez Jr., 15-0-0 (11KO’s), is wrapping up training for his highly anticipated 10-round showdown with James Stevenson, 21-0-0 (14KO’s) of Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday, August 8 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Fighting for the IBF/USBA Welterweight Title, the bout headlines “The Pride of Pittsburgh” presented by boxing legend Mike Tyson and Iron Mike Productions and telecast nationally on Fox Sports 1.

Finishing one of his last training sessions, Vasquez Jr. spoke about his upcoming battle with the also undefeated and southpaw fighting Stevenson.

“Training in Colorado is perfect for me, there’s no distractions unlike back home and I can fully concentrate on Stevenson” said the hard-hitting Vasquez Jr., who has become must-see TV for his all-action style and stunning knockout power.

With the fifth start of his 2014 campaign just days away, Vasquez Jr. talked about his busy year.

“It’s perfect for me, I want to stay busy. Both of my past two fights ended quickly and I’m thrilled to be fighting for a title in my hometown.”

Vasquez Jr. stopped Juan Rodriguez Jr. in the first round on April 18 and followed that up with a third round knockout of Jay Krupp on June 6. The fights were nationally televised on Showtime and ESPN Friday Night Fights respectively.

“We train to go 12 rounds for each fight. Recently I sparred with [world champion] Terence Crawford and learned a great deal, he’s very crafty, really makes you think in the ring” said Vasquez Jr. “We go four minute rounds with thirty second breaks.

“I truly believe my time is now, really since I turned pro in 2012. I wanted to actually move quicker than I’ve been but it’s been a good, learning process inside and outside the ring.

“I’ve seen a little bit of Stevenson, he’s pretty slick but I’m confident that whatever he tries won’t work.

“We’re expecting a huge crowd at the Consol Energy Center and I’m not going to disappoint them. This fight is the next step towards a world title opportunity and I’m ready to go.”

Advance tickets for “The Pride of Pittsburgh”, starting at $50 are available through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at Consol Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m.

As has become custom at all Iron Mike Productions events around the country, a sensational undercard will be announced shortly.

The Consol Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219.