World rated light heavyweight contender Danny Green has entered the most crucial phase of training camp in preparation to his title challenge of WBA Champion Stipe Drews at Challenge Stadium in Green’s hometown of Perth, Australia on December 16, 2007.
Current IBF Pan Pacific, IBO Asia Pacific and PABA titlist Green, 24-3 (22), is producing the bout in partnership with manager Justin Manolikos in their successful company Green Machine Promotions. “Danny is right in the middle of sparring,” said Manolikos.
“He’s right in the most intense part of the training at the moment and really starting to ramp it up. He’s been sparring quite a few local blokes but we’ve also brought a Ukrainian out for him to spar with as well.
“The Ukrainian is six foot five and a half inches tall, a half inch bigger than Drews. It’s just essential that Danny gets used to the awkward style, the long arms, the long reach and also the height difference as clearly, this is the tallest opponent that Danny’s ever faced.”
Drews, 32-1 (13), won the WBA title by defeating Silvio Branco in April. Towering height and a difficult southpaw style have earned the Croatian the “Spiderman” nickname and saw him through four European title defenses but doesn’t unduly concern Manolikos, who feels that Green’s aggressive, hard punching approach will bring the Perth native a world title.
“I think when you’re fighting an Eastern European, who is probably going to have a five inch reach advantage, it’s no secret that you’re not going to stand outside and box with him,” he said.
“Danny’s obviously going to have a game plan that he needs to stick to and I think that will be just to chop Drews down, break him down in the later rounds, just take his spirit away.”
Green Machine Promotions presents the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship between reigning titlist Stipe Drews and challenger Danny Green with full undercard at Challenge Stadium, Mt. Claremont, Perth, Western Australia on Sunday, December 16, 2007.
Tickets are priced at $185 Premium Plus, $155 Premium, $135 General, $95 Standard and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au . Doors open at 4:30PM.
Main Event will provide live televised PPV coverage at 6:30PM for Austar, Foxtel and Optus customers for $49.95 inc. GST