Heavyweights Efe Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs) and Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) faced off at the final press conference for their ESPN clash on Saturday at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.
Efe Ajagba: “I have the name ‘The Silent Roller’ because I don’t talk much…I’ve made adjustments for Saturday night. We’ll see how it goes. I’m ready for him.”
Stephan Shaw: “I’m a third-generation fighter. I’m looking to become a world champion. Saturday night, I’m going to make my mark.”
The 10-round co-feature sees 2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (10-0-1, 9 KOs) stepping up against noted spoiler Jonnie Rice (15-6-1, 10 KOs).
Guido Vianello: “Jonnie has a lot of experience, more than me. But I’m ready. I’ve been training very hard. I’ve been training very hard for four years since I moved to the USA. I train all the time to fight in a war, so I’m ready for this.”
Jonnie Rice: “This means the world to me right now. It’s another chance to beat another undefeated fighter. And that’s what’s on my mind. I’m going to go in there and beat him.”
well that’s a different take on the stare down, looks like they have hungry eyes for each other
That stare down between Ajagba and Shaw isn’t exactly Hearns and Benitez. They’re kinda looking at each other like they just met on a Tinder date! Whatever…what’s important is what they do in the ring. I see this as a highly entertaining fight. I have to go with Ajagba because he’s been in deeper and has shown and proved, but Shaw is no joke either and might be ready to make his introduction into the world class level. I wouldn’t call this an elimination bout, but the winner definitely posistions himself as a contender!
Jeez, the World needs more fighters like Johnny Rice. The dude will fight anyone.