Where there’s thunder there’s usually lighting. However the thunder that is set to make its way to the Jersey shore is Arturo Gatti. However a little earlier in the evening middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo, looks to provide some early electricity. This marks the sixth time Lorenzo has fought on an undercard that featured his ring mentor Arturo Gatti. "Arturo is one of the greatest fighters of our time. I have learned so much fighting on the same cards as him over the years that he is the single most reason why I have had so many recent knock outs. Fans want to see action in the ring and Arturo has provided plenty of that and from now on so will I,"said Lorenzo.
Lorenzo steps into the ring against the rugged Sherwin Davis in an interesting clash on the undercard of the Gatti -Alfonso Gomez main event. The WBC’s #3 ranked middleweight in the world is looking to improve on his unblemished record of (24-0, 16 KO’s). Lorenzo and Davis are scheduled to go 10 rounds or less. Lorenzo is aware of Davis experience who owns a respectable record of (18-4-12 K.O.’s) however he vows to keep his record spotless.
“I am not much into predictions and disrespecting opponents. I respect everyone I fight. I am just confident in the hard work that I’ve put in. I expect to win to no doubt. This is my job and this is how I feed my family. Come Saturday night I am going to win plain simple. If I knock him out, that’s great, but I’m not looking for it, I never do. I just place my punches to hurt,” Lorenzo.
Well for someone who is not looking to knock people out, Lorenzo sure does a great job of winging it. Lorenzo has stopped his last three opponents. In his last bout on June 2, 2007, he blasted out Bruce Rumbloz with a devastating body assault (TKO 3). More food for thought is that he’s also stopped eleven of his last twelve foes.
The undefeated brawler will compete for the third time since announcing that he is entering the middleweight division. Lorenzo says that he’s ready to not only be a major player in the division, but to be its MVP.
“I am ready to fight for a world title. I wish I was fighting for the strap tomorrow night. I am willing to take on anyone. My team has me well prepared and I’m ready to showcase my talent. I’ve always said that I’m someone who rises to the competition. I am at my best when I fight the best. When I fought “Shark” I stopped him on his stool. He was a guy who went the distance with Sechew Powell before that and when (Sergio) Mora fought him, he was a shot fighter. I am just waiting my turn. People that know boxing, know what I’m about. When I get my chance I will make the most of it. The Dominican Republic, will have another world champion very soon and his name is Giovanni Lorenzo.”, Lorenzo.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to fighting world class competition, Lorenzo fought over 200 amateur bouts, compiling a dominating record of 231-15. He won 15 amateur tournaments and earned a spot on the 2000 Dominican Republic Olympic Team. In the 2000 Olympics he reached the second round of the tournament.
Lorenzo hopes to finish off 2007 by fighting for the WBC title and has through his promoter notified all of the sanctioning bodies that he is available. There is also been talk of battling “Irish” John Duddy.
“I have made it known that I would accept a challenge against John and wish him victory this Saturday night in Dublin,” said Lorenzo. “It would be an all action fight. We are both at the top of our game now and the winner would be recognized as the true heir apparent to the middleweight championship crown. This is a mega fight that would sell out MSG--the ‘Chico Malo’ (Bad Boy) against the fighting Irishman.”
Tomorrow nights bout against Davis will take place at the famous Boardwalk Hall. For the Dominican born, Lorenzo who now calls the Bronx home calls New Jersey, his home away from home. Lorenzo will be fighting for the second time in a row at this venue and it will be the ninth time he’s fought in the Garden State in his career.
"Giovanni has grown into a top middleweight contender,” said Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. “His strength is that he is always prepared and finds a way to win impressively no matter what the circumstances are. I am sure he will be a hit for the fans on Saturday night again.
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