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This Wednesday night Anthony Mundine will fight tough South American slugger Pablo Daniel Zamora Nievas (17-1-1) in the first defence in his second reign as World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight world champion.
The bout, which will take place at the Gold Coast Convention Centre adjacent to Jupiter’s Casino, is supported by an exciting undercard which will feature Soloman Haumono, Monty Betham Jr., Leonardo Zappavigna and Emmett Gazzard.
Mundine won the WBA strap earlier this year by stopping fellow countryman Sam Soliman by ninth round knock out to win his second world title, and consequently in line for a shot at unified champion Mikkel Kessler.
After losing his first WBA world title belt to Puerto Rican Manny Siaca in 2004, Mundine told news.com.au that he will not make the same mistake twice.
“It’s all about how I’m going to win, it needs to be dominating and convincing,” Mundine said.
“We don’t know a lot about him, but I think he’s a bit of a brawler. A wide swinger.
“You’ve got to bring your A-game every fight, you’ve got to be dominant and look your best. That’s what I’ve done over the last year or two and I’ve dominated guys that people thought were going to beat me.”
Nievas- who has a work ranking at number 15 in the WBA- has never fought outside of South America and fought a draw with countryman Ruben Eduardo Acosta- a former Mundine opponent.
Mundine completed an energetic 90-minute session at the Nerang Police Citizens Youth Club on the Gold Coast last Thursday night in front of interested onlookers. Mundine’s head trainer, Tony Mundine, is happy with his son’s preparations.
“He’s more enthusiastic and determined than he’s ever been,” Tony said.
“He works hard, never taken a short cut. He puts pressure on himself.”
Mundine aims to add the world middleweight and light heavyweight titles to his super middleweight crown.
“I’m still a pup in this game. I’ve only had 31 fights and can only get better with experience,” Mundine said.
“I’ve dodged nobody. They said (Danny) Green was going to be a worthy opponent and I dominated him. They said (Sam) Soliman was going to be a worthy opponent and I dominated him . . . I’ll dominate Nievas next Wednesday.
“I can’t see anyone beating me now unless I beat myself and as far as I’m concerned I won’t lose the belt again. I really feel like I am the best. My talent and skills have developed and I just believe in myself so much now.
“When the history books are written I want to be the best ever boxer to come out of Australia. I’m already the best ever athlete. I want to be the best fighter.”
Mundine’s fast hands and underrated power should be too much for Nievas, who has never been beyond 6 rounds. Mundine will also look to continue an aggressive style which he has shown in previous fights to dominate top 10 fighters in Danny Green and Sam Soliman. However in boxing we can never be sure, and as with all Mundine fight nights we are guaranteed plenty of entertainment, Mundine fan or not. Card will screen live on Foxtel Main Event Pay Per View from 7pm Australian eastern standard time.
Courtesy www.iseekactive.com
