Boxing News Boxing News
IBF World Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute, 22-0-0 (18), can count on the support of his ever-growing fan base when he laces up the gloves for his mandatory title defense bout against very tough Mexican fighter Librado Andrade, 27-1-0 (21).
InterBox was able to close a deal with Andrade’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions to have Librado fight Bute on Friday, October 24, 2008 at the Montreal Bell Centre.
This will be Lucian Bute’s second title defense of the title he won by TKO in the 11th round over Alejandro Berrio last October 19, 2007. Lucian followed that victory with a 10th round TKO of former world champion William Joppy last February 29, 2008 in front of 14,000 fans at the Bell Centre.
“We are very proud to be able to offer this major international bout to our boxing fans,” states Jean Bedard, President of Sportscene Group Inc.
“It was very important for InterBox and for Lucian to hold this Event in Montreal. InterBox is very serious about landing huge fights, and thanks to the full support of our prestigious partners we were able to convince one of the leading boxing promoters in the world to come to Montreal.”
Just back from Romania where he got a perfect mark and a degree in Physical Education at the University of Galati, Bute is extremely happy to again fight in front of his fans in this the most important bout of his young career.
“There is a big challenge awaiting me on October 24th and I am thrilled that I will have the support of my fans at the Bell Centre,” said Bute. “Andrade is well known here in Montreal. He is a good boxer and I respect him but I have no doubt that I will be the one wearing the IBF belt after the fight. ”
29 year old Andrade has an outstanding professional record. His only loss came against then WBA and WBC champion Mikkel Kessler in a Super Middleweight Unification bout last year.
Among Librado`s victims are Otis Grant, Yusaf Mack and Robert Stieglitz, all of whom were knocked out. His victory against Stieglitz in an IBF Elimination bout last March resulted in Librado becoming the obligatory contender to Lucian Bute`s world title.
Present at the Press Conference, Andrade stated: “Montreal is synonymous with success for me. I became WBC #1 contender with my victory over Otis Grant, and this time back I will become world champion. Bute is good and he will have the crowd on his side, but that will not be enough. My boxing skills will make sure I leave Montreal with the IBF belt around my waist”.
Tickets will go on sale as of Saturday, July 12th at 10 AM through the Admissions network.
