Batyrgaziev and Romero show mutual respect in pre-match face-to-face for IBA Champions’ Night Moscow
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 07 Mar 2025
Moscow, Russia – While the action in the ring at IBA Champions’ Night Moscow will be furious, words exchanged between Albert Batyrgaziev and Neri Romero were full of high praise for each other, prior to the WBA Interim & IBA Pro World Champion contest.
The Russian Batyrgaziev is set to defend his titles over 12 rounds against ‘El Maldito’ from Argentina, who remains undefeated as a professional, winning all of his 18 matches. The champion stresses he is in perfect shape to keep his winning streak alive, which currently sits at 12 matches undefeated.
‘We’ve had a good three-month training camp and are 100% ready,’ said Batyrgaziev. ‘This Friday, we’ll showcase some beautiful boxing – don’t miss it! I’ll be facing a strong opponent who’s never been defeated, so I can’t underestimate him. I’ll stay fully focused and aim to deliver an exciting performance.’
He became the WBA Interim title holder in July 2024 after beating Ireland’s Jono Carroll by TKO and then went on to beat Albert Pagara from the Philippines in the fourth round in October. In December 2023 in Abu Dhabi, he was the first-ever boxer to claim IBA Pro World title.
Lamont Roach Jr, the WBA Super Featherweight champion, is due to face the winner of the interim contest, in the near future. Roach fought to a draw against Gervonta Davis for the WBA lightweight title last week.
‘Lamont Roach signed a contract to fight Gervonta Davis, so we had to wait,’ Batyrgaziev explained.‘That’s why we decided to defend the interim belt, so we can secure a shot at the full title later. Regarding the Roach vs. Davis fight, there wasn’t much action – no truly good boxing on display, but Roach did well, showing plenty of spirit. It seemed Davis didn’t really prepare, and that affected the outcome. Right now, I don’t want to discuss their possible rematch, I’m focused on my fight on 7 March.’
He went on to say, ‘I need to beat Romero first, and then my team and I will talk about what’s next. I have the WBA Interim title defence ahead of me, and all my thoughts are on that.’
Returning the favour, the contender Romero spoke highly of the interim champion in the build-up to the final.
‘Batyrgaziev is an excellent boxer, but I also have the necessary experience and strong skills,’ said Romero. ‘I think the fans will see a spectacular fight between two worthy opponents. My team and I have studied him, but I don’t believe in discussing an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses publicly; the important thing is that I know them. I’m well aware that fighting Batyrgaziev is a fantastic chance to step onto the world stage, and I’ll do everything I can to seize this opportunity.’
IBA Champions’ Night Moscow is to feature eight matches on 7 March, taking place at the Dynamo Volleyball Arena Sports Complex.
Live stream is available on IBA YouTube channel.
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