Joe Smith Jr 26-3 (21) and Maxim Vlasov 45-3 (26) have faced off ahead of their clash for the vacant WBO light heavyweight title at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday night.
The fight was originally scheduled to take place on February 13 before the bout was postponed after Maxim tested positive to Covid-19.
The 31-year-old Smith from Long Island, who defeated Jessie Hart and Eleider Alvarez last year, says the delay has not bothered him.
“I was 100 percent ready to go back in February, but it’s okay,” Smith said. “I had time to enjoy my wedding day and now I’m just ready to go once again.
“I know what I’m going up against. He is a busy and aggressive guy with a lot of experience, but I have prepared well and I’m going to give 100 percent of myself to come out victorious.
“Becoming world champion and hearing the words, ‘and new!’ it’s going to be an amazing feeling. This is everything I have been working for since I was 15 years old.”
Vlasov has won three fights in a row since moving down from cruiserweight following his points loss to Krzysztof Glowacki in November 2018. The 34-year-old Russian has not fought since outpointing then-undefeated Ghanaian southpaw Emmanuel Martey in November 2019.
“I’m sure that you will see no ring rust at all this time,” Vlasov said. “I’ve been preparing well. I’ve been sharpening my skills, and I’m ready to give it my all, 100 percent.
“I feel the same as a younger boxer who is less experienced because this is a great chance for me. This is a great responsibility, a great risk. I am very excited and motivated for this fight.
“I have taken preparation seriously, watched many of his fights and learned some things. I don’t like to talk about his weakest or strongest points or divulge any strategies or plans related to the fight.”
