By Rick Reeno
A few days ago, it was announced that cruiserweight Enzo Maccarinelli (28-2, 21KOs) is looking at a tentative return in June, and his promoter Frank Warren wants to match him with a good, ranked opponent. Macca was stopped in the second-round of his unification bout with David Haye on March 8. Warren wants to put him in position for a another title shot by the end of the year.
The search may be over. Unbeaten BJ Flores (21-0, 13KOs) contacted BoxingScene.com to answer Warren's call for a ranked opponent to face Macca.
"I'm ranked number 2 by the IBF, number 6 by the WBO and number 12 by the WBA. I'm ranked number 1 by the NABO, NABF and NABA, and I'm the USBA champion. I would love to fight Maccarinelli and knock him off the map with another loss. After I'm done with him, his boxing career will be over," Flores said. "He's going to leave boxing to find another line of work. I would love to head over to Wales to fight him. I have no issue with going to Wales."
"Warren keeps talking about finding him a good opponent. Well, I'm right here. Now it's time to step up or shut up. I have a bigger name on my resume in Darnell Wilson, than any of the fighters Maccarinelli has beaten. He didn't even beat a real champion for the WBO title. The title was handed to him. He didn't beat Johnny Nelson. He doesn't want a real challenge. He would rather fight guys like Mark Hobson and Mohamed Azzaoui. Let them give me enough time to train and let's make the fight. Last time they called me with a late offer and gave me almost no time to prepare. All I need is 60 days notice and I'll be more than ready to give Enzo another loss."
Flores was alos annoyed by some of the recent comments made by Maccarinelli's trainer, Enzo Calzaghe, with respect to Haye.
"I keep reading how Enzo Calzaghe is disrespecting David Haye. He keeps saying if the fight went twelve, Maccarinelli would have ended Haye. How can you show no class when your fighter was knocked out so quick? Haye said after the fight that I would take over the cruiserweight division after he moves up to heavyweight. He didn't have to say that and I appreciate it, but I want to prove my worth in the ring by fighting the best out there."
"Hey Frank, this will be a real easy process. I'm a free agent. All you have to do is contact my advisor Lou Mesorana or my manager Jerry Giuliani. I'm undefeated. I have a high ranking. Let's fight and the winner can move on for a shot at IBF champion Steve Cunningham."
