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Clash of the titans in second weekend of WSB action PhilBoxing.com Fri, 18 Nov 2011 Lausanne, Switzerland, 17 November 2011 - After the explosive curtain raiser seven days ago, there is no rest bite for the World Series of Boxing (WSB) teams as the next competitive fixture is now just mere hours away. After the landmark home debut for the Venky's Mumbai Fighters, the team now travels to Perm to face Dynamo Moscow who make their bow in the competition. With a further three matches taking place in Istanbul, Milan and Mexico, this weekend of top class boxing is sure to pack a few punches. The top teams set down markers and the newcomers proved that they were real challengers to the WSB crown. Another firecracker of a weekend in prospect, with some top draw bouts for all to enjoy. The fight of the week Heavyweight Trent Rawlins of the Venky's Mumbai Fighters will make his debut for the team after having been so impressive for the former WSB Memphis Force Franchise last season before succumbing to injury. There are high hopes for the 25-year-old Australian after he impressed the Indian coaches at their recent training camp. They expect great things of the charismatic orthodox fighter as he faces Dynamo Moscow's Arslanbek Makhmudov, a 2010 World University Boxing Championships gold medallist. Sparks are sure to fly in this Group A match. Rawlins said he dreamt of becoming an actor and that boxing for the Fighters could open doors to Bollywood where he hoped his Will Smith-esque looks could maybe help him become the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the Indian Film industry. Get to know Trent by reading an interview made with him last season www.worldseriesboxing.com/fan-zone/interviews/boxers/trent-rawlins.aspx The match of the week On Friday evening, all eyes will be on the titanic clash between Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder and the Los Angeles Matadors. Both teams will be bursting with confidence after having each won their first matches last weekend. The glamour of Milan meets the glitz of Los Angeles in a show that is sure to delight both the audiences at the Mediolanum Forum and those watching at home. The star attraction in Milan is sure to be 2009 AIBA World Champion and poster-boy Domenico Valentino who boasts a record of four wins and one loss last season's competition. He will be the team leader on the night when Hollywood comes to town and he faces the tough Ukrainian Leonid Malkov in Group A. The other matches Group B will witness Istanbul Bosphorus welcome the Baku Fires, with once again two unbeaten teams going head-to-head. This intriguing encounter is evenly poised, however the unity of the Azeri camp with four nationals lining-up is sure to crank up the pressure on the hosts. There is a lot of mutual respect between the two teams so for the spectacle at the Ahmetcomert Sports Hall will be one to savour. The other match-up in Group B will see reigning champions Paris United travel to Mexico City to face the Guerreros at the Foro Polanco. This is another fight that promises fireworks with the hosts looking to set the record straight after their loss last week in Germany and the French seeking to consolidate and build on what was in many observers view a slow start to the season. It will be interesting to see how the Venky's Mumbai Fighters acclimatise to the conditions in Russia when they visit the Shukharev Sports Complex in Perm to face Dynamo Moscow. Unfamiliar surroundings and a sold-out 3,500 capacity crowd to deal with will be a daunting task for the WSB newcomers. Having created a real buzz around the event, the venue tickets for the fight were snapped up in no-time after they went on sale. The atmosphere will be electric as the Russian fans will look to create a cauldron atmosphere and support their team all the way to victory. Boxer to watch At only 21 years of age, Juan Hiracheta is already a veteran of WSB, having fought four times last season (three wins, one loss) and he will be looked upon as the leader for the Mexico City Guerreros when Paris United come to town. A thunderous right hook that can punish even the savviest of opponents is sure to stand him in good stead for his fight against unknown quantity Ibrahima Mariko. It should be a good night for the Mexico City Guerreros who have four local fighters lining-up, all 21 years old or younger, and 2008 Olympian, south paw Kennedy Katende from Sweden. What they said "Bollywood needs a heavy man that can kick doors open and I want to be that man", Rawlins said with a poker face when interviewed in the build-up to his first bout for the Venky's Mumbai Fighters. Shiv Kumar Pal, Head Coach of the Venky's Mumbai Fighters, is looking forward to the Russian challenge and said, "The first bout gave us good exposure and we are going into the fight with Dynamo Moscow in confident mood. I am sure the boys will perform well. They have worked hard. While the Russian weather and boxers will be a challenge, I don't think anything can deter the hard work of our team. The Fighters are up for any challenge and we will grow with each bout." The Astana Arlans vs. Bangkok tie has been postponed due to the widespread flooding in Thailand and due to unforeseen circumstances, the Wuxi Dragons vs. Leipzig Leopards tie has been cancelled. ![]() |
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