Boxing Camp Notes: Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett

ByBoxing Press

Heavyweight Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett faces World Boxing Assocation heavyweight champion Nikolai “Giant Russian” Valuev on Saturday at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. Barrett gave his thoughts on the upcoming bout just before departing for Chicago from his camp in the Catskill Mountains of New York.

“I don’t think this fight is going to be that hard for me,” Barrett said. “Big man can bring whatever he wants to the table. He’s never fought someone like me.”

On July 19, Barrett entered camp in the Catskills with trainer James Ali Bashir and conditioner Dudley Pierce. With nine weeks in camp, Barrett says he’s ready to go.

“Camp has been beautiful,” Barrett said. “I ran 120 miles. I’ve had great sparring partners and have already gone 95 rounds. I’m ready to fight. I’m focused and ready to become heavyweight champion of the world.”

This will be Barrett’s first time back in the ring since his decision loss to Hasim Rahman last August.

“This camp is 100-percent different,” Barrett explained. “I’m surrounded by consummate professionals. Bashir is a blessing. Dudley Pierce is the best conditioner in the world. My conditioning is phenomenal. Everyone is doing their job.”

Bashir added, “John Ruiz and Larry Donald left the door open for doubt. We’re going to close the door.”

“Valuev likes to hold, throw elbows and stiff-arm his opponents,” Bashir continued. “I won’t tolerate infractions. No one has ever really challenged Valuev. We want to make him fight.”

Promoter Don King, in association with Sauerland Event, presents “Big Red October” on Saturday from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. In addition to Valuev vs. Barrett main event, undefeated World Boxing Council light heavyweight champion Tomasz Adamek, from Poland, fights a highly anticipated rematch with Australian Paul “Firepower” Briggs for Adamek’s WBC title This world championship doubleheader will also be shown domestically on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Highlights of the undercard include Poland’s Matt “Boom Boom” Zegan taking on Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell in an IBF lightweight title eliminator and Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride battling Chicago’s own Mike Mollo in a special heavyweight attraction.

Tickets start at $35 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (312) 559-1212, online at ticketmaster.com or at the Allstate Arena box office (847-635-6601.