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Both Sultan Ibragimov (19-0, 17 KOs) and Ray Austin (24-3-3, 16 KOs) predicted knockouts on Friday when they collide in a highly charged IBF heavyweight eliminator for the right to challenge world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko at the Hard Rock LIVE Arena in Hollywood, Florida.
There was tension in the air when the fighters appeared at Wednesday's press conference at the Park Sports Club in the beautiful Seminole Paradise connected to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. There were harsh words between the camps on Tuesday and the fighters were kept well apart to avoid any unpleasantness.
Both fighters look to be in tremendous shape.
"I have seen him in a lot of fights," Ibragimov said. "He's a real good fighter. I checked the videos and I got in good shape. You will see Friday night." In regard to the height of the 6'6 Austin, Ibragimov told *********, "I've fought a lot of tall guys and I know how to do that."
As for the title shot against Klitschko that will go to the winner, the unbeaten Russian stated, "I don't think about Klitschko now. I'm just thinking about this specific fight. After we'll think about Klitschko."
Austin, meanwhile told us he expects the fight to "make history."
"It's definitely going to be an early night," he promised. "That's what I've come here to do. That's what "The Rainman" is known for, I rain on all my opponents and leave them in puddles, that's what I do.....I don't like no chess match."
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In the co-feature, unbeaten middleweight Samuel Miller (14-0, 12 KOs) will be showcased against Jason Naugler (15-5-1, 10 KOs) in what should be a good test.
Also on the card, former world champion Randall Bailey (32-5, 29 KOs) is set to face Russell Stoner Jones (19-13, 14 KOs) in an eight rounder. There is talk of Bailey soon getting a title shot at newly crowned IBF junior middleweight champion Juan Urango
There was tension in the air when the fighters appeared at Wednesday's press conference at the Park Sports Club in the beautiful Seminole Paradise connected to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. There were harsh words between the camps on Tuesday and the fighters were kept well apart to avoid any unpleasantness.
Both fighters look to be in tremendous shape.
"I have seen him in a lot of fights," Ibragimov said. "He's a real good fighter. I checked the videos and I got in good shape. You will see Friday night." In regard to the height of the 6'6 Austin, Ibragimov told *********, "I've fought a lot of tall guys and I know how to do that."
As for the title shot against Klitschko that will go to the winner, the unbeaten Russian stated, "I don't think about Klitschko now. I'm just thinking about this specific fight. After we'll think about Klitschko."
Austin, meanwhile told us he expects the fight to "make history."
"It's definitely going to be an early night," he promised. "That's what I've come here to do. That's what "The Rainman" is known for, I rain on all my opponents and leave them in puddles, that's what I do.....I don't like no chess match."
* * *
In the co-feature, unbeaten middleweight Samuel Miller (14-0, 12 KOs) will be showcased against Jason Naugler (15-5-1, 10 KOs) in what should be a good test.
Also on the card, former world champion Randall Bailey (32-5, 29 KOs) is set to face Russell Stoner Jones (19-13, 14 KOs) in an eight rounder. There is talk of Bailey soon getting a title shot at newly crowned IBF junior middleweight champion Juan Urango
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