MAYORGA CONFIDENT

by Stephen S. Johnson

Photo: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME (Lewis/Mayorga)

(INSIDE BOXING) According to the WBA’s #1 ranked contender in the welterweight division there’s a “new sheriff” in town.

Ricardo Mayorga said just that in a national conference call promoting this Saturday night’s title fight against current WBA welterweight champion Andrew “Six-Heads” Lewis.

Despite the impressive 19 KO’s in 22 bouts Lewis brings, Mayorga is more than confident what will happen Saturday night.

His confidence may well be deserved since the last time these two met the fight was stopped after Lewis had a nasty gash that rendered him unable to continue. That gash may have saved Lewis as he was obviously out of shape and Mayorga seemed ready to take advantage of the situation.

Mayorga was relentless in attacking Lewis last February and said Saturday night we will see more of the same. He even boldly predicts the fight will go no more than three rounds. The fight will end with Lewis on his back, said Mayorga. “I will knock him out in three rounds. I am going to be the new champion. I’m going to break his ribs”, said Mayorga.

Lewis seemed calm when listening to Mayorga’s prediction. “I will shut his big mouth Saturday night. I don’t talk too much, I let my fists do the talking”, said Lewis. “The last time we fought I had many personal problems. That is all taken care of now. I am in 100% top condition mentally and physically”, said Lewis.

Mayorga and Lewis realize that with the dismantling of Shane Mosley by Vernon Forrest the welterweight division is primed for several big-money fights. The victor Saturday night will be planted firmly in the drivers seat for one of those fights.

The conversation today lets there be no doubt both fighters understand and recognize the opportunity in front of them.

Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga vs Andrew “Six-Heads” Lewis.

My prediction is this fight will be one you won’t want to miss.

03/26/02