IBF Boxing Champ Lucian Bute Gets William Joppy For First Title Defense

IBF World Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute, 21-0 (17), is set to defend his world crown for the first time against a very interesting and decorated challenger in three time world champion William Joppy, 39-4-1 (30), on Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Montreal Bell Centre. The bout will be promoted by InterBox in association with William Joppy’s promoter Goossen Tutor Promotions.

World WBA Middleweight champion for eight years (1996-2003), William Joppy brings an arsenal of experience to Montreal, having fought some of the best boxers in the world including Felix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor. Joppy went the distance with both Hopkins and Taylor.

As was the case in his previous bout against Alejandro Berrio, Lucian will have to be careful and alert during each minute of every round as Joppy will continually attempt to place Lucian in uncomfortable zones. Joppy punches hard with both hands as demonstrated by his 30 KO`s in 39 victories and is coming in having won 5 fights in a row, all by KO. Joppy is rated #15 by the IBF in the Light Heavy division and #7 by the WBC in the Super Middleweight division.

For the first time in his career, Lucian Bute will feel the pressure of having to succeed as a champion. Becoming a world champion is one thing, but retaining the title is an even more difficult task. Nevertheless, this is a challenge that Lucian can definitely overcome.

“I am both happy and very proud to start my reign as Champion in front of my fans at the Bell Centre. Each one of my opponents has been selected to assure my progression and to better my apprenticeship. Although I am a World champion, I will feel more like a student in front of an opponent of such calibre as William Joppy”.

As for William Joppy, he plans to leave Montreal with Lucian Bute’s belt. “I am not coming here to Montreal as a tourist and anybody who thinks I’m a has-been or that I am easy prey better re-evaluate their thinking. I won my last 5 fights by knockout and my experience will serve me well against the young champion Bute. Quebec boxing fans will see a great fight but also a nasty surprise!”

7000 tickets sold

Tickets are in strong demand for Bute’s first defense of his IBF World Super Middleweight title bout. Over 7,000 tickets have been sold, and InterBox will open three new sections to respond to the demand. Tickets are available through the Admissions network by dialing 514-790-1245, or 1-800-361-4585, by visiting www.admission.com. Tickets are also available at Club de boxe Champion by calling 514-376-0980.

Training in Mexico

Lucian Bute will depart for Mexico this Saturday with his trainer Stephan Larouche for a mini training camp.