EUROPEAN Bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi says he’s not worried about defending his title away from the home and he’s keen to show Ricky Hatton what he’s all about.
The Frenchman, 27, risks his championship against The Hitman’s charge, and mandatory challenger Zhanat Zhakiyanov at the Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield on Saturday night (April 26) and believes he will come away with his reputation enhanced as well as his belt.
Guerfi is no stranger to winning on the road, having ripped the crown from Belgium’s world ranked Stephane Jamoye in Liege last September.
“All my career I have fought in the opponent corner and this is no different,” he said. “I like the challenge Zhakiyanov will give me and I promise Mr Hatton that he will discover what Karim Guerfi can do.
“I have watched a lot of Zhanat on video and I know how he boxes. He looks very good, but I don’t think he’s fought any good boxer. I’m his first real opponent.
“I’m not making any predictions, but after the fight I will still be champion.”
This Saturday’s show is headlined by Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne’s vacant Commonwealth title clash with Canada’s Eric Martel Bahoeli and also features Sheffield’s Adam Etches taking on Mexico’s Felipe De La Paz Teniente for the vacant WBC youth middleweight crown.
Also starring will be Ricky Hatton-trained prospects Adam Little and Kirill Relikh as well as Scott Jenkins, Leo D’Erlanger, Kash Ali and Dave Howe.
Ticket prices are priced at £35 (General Admission), £55 (Reserved Floor Seats), £75 (Ringside) and £100 (VIP Ringside). They can be purchased from 07747 474701.
The show is being televised in the UK by BoxNation (Sky Ch.437 HD 490 and Virgin 546), in France via L’Equipe 21 TV and in Australia (Foxtel Ch.511), Pacific regions and Asia on Eurosport.
