Gallagher's Steak House in midtown was the packed venue to get fight week underway, as the Russian heavyweights head to Madison Square Garden’s Theater this Saturday night, March 10. Sultan Ibragimov (19-0-1, 16 KO’s) will be in the main event against Mexican star Javier Mora (21-3-1, 17 KO’s), while Roman Greenberg (24-0, 17 KO’s) takes on Michael Simms (19-6-1, 13 KO’s) in the co-feature, as both stars put their unbeaten streaks on the line on the fight card spectacular presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Golden Grain Promotions, Nafta Moskva, Gotham Boxing, Goossen Tutor and Global Advertising Strategies.
Seminole Warriors Boxing executive director Leon Margules hosted the proceeding for the media and fight camps, also attended by undercard fighters Edgar Santana, Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin and others.
Ibragimov hails from Rostov-na-Donu, while Greenberg is from Odessa.
Ibragimov is a 6-foot-2 southpaw with a powerful punch, as his 16 KO victories clearly indicate. A 2000 Olympic Silver medalist for Russia, Sultan Ibragimov (19-0-1, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2002 with a first round knockout of Tracy Williams – in fact, his first four fights ended in opening round victories. By 2004, Ibragimov relocated to Florida and began making a name for himself on the US scene. He won the WBO Asia-Pacific title in October of 2004 by knocking out Najee Shaheed in the third round, and he defended that crown six times. Among his victims were former world champion Al Cole and contenders Lance Whitaker and Zuri Lawrence. In July of 2006, Ibragimov battled Ray Austin in one of the best heavyweight fights of 2006 and after trading knockdowns with ‘The Rainman’, a 12 round draw verdict was rendered, though most observers believed Ibragimov deserved the nod.
Greenberg has registered three straight knockout triumphs, and is considered one of the game’s top heavyweight prospects. Only 24 years old, Russian heavyweight contender Greenberg has been impressing more people with each fight, as he makes his way up the rankings. At 6’3’’ and weighing 240 lbs, and with the ability to box or bang in the ring, Greenberg has demonstrated both the physical tools and maturity in the ring to be a bona fide contender. The IBO Intercontinental heavyweight champion holds wins over tested veterans Kendrick Releford and Julius Francis, and in his last bout he knocked out Steve Pannell in just three rounds. Roman was born in Russia, lived in Austria and moved to Israel when he was 11. He currently resides in Haifa, Isreal, but also has a residence and trains in England. Greenberg speaks English, Russian, German and Hebrew fluently.
Tickets are on sale for this highly anticipated event, available at all Ticketmaster outlets or the Madison Square Garden box office, priced at $35, $55, $105, $205, and $305.
QUOTABLES
Ibragimov Quotes:
“I’m going to win on Saturday night. People who come to the fight will see for themselves. I will be the winner in the ring”
“I am going into Saturday looking to fight and not just trying to knock Mora out”
“Mora is a strong guy, a very tough fighter with a good chin.”
Jeff Mayweather (Ibragimov’s trainer)
“Sultan is a strong heavyweight with killer instinct”
“In order to add to the longevity of his career, we had to add defense. We are adding this other dimension for Sultan to be a boxer as well as brawler. We want him to box first and if need be he will be able to brawl.
“Sultan’s an extremely smart heavyweight who is thirsting for knowledge. He’s not a know-it-all and he has that will to put in the work. He is a trainer’s dream.”
“On Saturday, fans will see a whole different fighter (Ibragimov) with another dimension, an added asset (defense).”
“Mora’s a little slow, he’ll be right there to be hit, he’s too slow.”
“Sultan will box first against Mora, and then when the opening is there he’s going to get rid of him.”
Mora quotes:
“It is a big privilege to be fighting at the Garden. Not only am I representing the West Coast, but I am representing the entire Mexican community. It is a very big privilege for me to be fighting here. Everyone has been very nice and treated me well. It is a big privilege and honor to be fighting at the Garden.”
“Any given punch in boxing you can go down. I have been in the ring with the best. I am not scared. It is my job. I fear no man. I am going to prove a lot of people wrong. I am in good condition. You will see Saturday night.”
“I want to be the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world. We need to bring the title home. We [U.S.] need to be the dominate one’s again. Got to get passed Sultun and show the world what I am about.”
Santana quotes:
“It is an honor to be fighting at the Garden. A lot of great fights and fighters have fought there. Being a local kid is an added bonus. I will have the honor of my family and friends in the crowd. It is a honor for anyone to fight at the Garden.”
“He is a good fighter. More of a puncher. I will be ready for whatever he brings to the table.”
“There are talks of fighting in May. Hopefully I will be getting in the ring right away. I am pretty comfortable at 140. I am going to stay at junior welterweight for a while. I can make weight easily. I feel comfortable at this weight. Unless something presents itself I will stay at 140 until I am the champ.”
Greenberg quotes:
“Like everyone has said before the garden is the place for boxing. It is great. I hope to impress everyone.”
“I am still waiting to watch the tape on my opponent. I have training hard. I have heard that he is tough and has never been stopped.”
“I have to focus on this fight first. I am aiming at a world title shot later this year if possible.”
“New York fans have been good and bad. They say I am not aggressive enough at times. It doesn’t matter what people say about me. I am undefeated. That says enough. I am winning and that is most important. My main target is to be world champ.”
