|

I have just returned from New York after
an exhausting couple of days doing the rounds with the US media.
What I should tell you is that I have had some really great news
about the Mikkel Kessler fight at the Millennium Stadium on
November 3.
It was confirmed to me on Tuesday and to my promoter Frank
Warren that my fight will be taking place to suit UK television
audiences, not US, even though it will be screened live in the
States as well.
That means we will probably hit the ring at about 10pm, rather
than at 2am or later like when I fought Jeff Lacy in Manchester.
This is great news for me.
It might not have seemed like it from the way I boxed, but I
really struggled with the late (or early I suppose) start.
Trying to get the adrenaline pumping when you are ready to go to
sleep is pretty difficult!
Obviously I tried to change my routine and sleep pattern to get
ready for the fight, but it is easier said than done when you
are training.
Speaking of which, I got back yesterday afternoon and sad man
that I am, the first thing I did was to hit the gym to do a few
rounds of circuit exercises.
Obviously I haven't done much exercise for a few days and don't
want to lose any momentum.
Also, in terms of weight, America really isn't the place to be
before a fight.
The portions are absolutely huge and that combined with a lot of
sitting around isn't going to help me hit the super middleweight
limit!
All in all though, it was a great experience going to America
and it was interesting to see Kessler a few times.
He's a bit like me I suppose, he's not too brash and is more
confident in his ability than arrogant.
He thinks he will win and isn't afraid to say so and obviously
the feeling is mutual.
I understand that the comments I made about this being the
biggest fight of my career are the ones which got turned into a
news story over here, which is fair enough.
I did say it, I do believe it...
Kessler is a better fighter than Jeff Lacy is because he is more
of a thinker, he'll have the ability to adapt and change his
plan of attack on the night, and Lacy couldn't do that.
It is going to be a fantastic challenge and a brilliant night of
boxing, but before that I have one more press engagement, a
head-to-head with Kessler at the Millennium Stadium on Monday.
All of the British boxing press will be there and it'll be
interesting to see what Kessler makes of a huge stadium where
50,000 people are going to be cheering against him.
He says he's not nervous. I guess only time will tell...
9-7-2007
|