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All eyes are on Wigan

5/12/2007

GLOSSOP-based Commonwealth welterweight champion Ali Nuumbembe has spoken out ahead of his title defence against Oldham’s Craig Watson to respond to claims from the challenger’s camp they are about to end his reign.

The pair meet on Saturday at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena on a huge night of boxing which includes three other title fights.

“Craig Watson believes he has three ways he can beat me but none of them are going to work, I’ve seen him fighting, watched his footage and have a good plan,” said the man from Glossop via Namibia.

“I’ve seen him taking some guys out so I’m prepared for that, but I’ve got my skill which I will use to outsmart him, there’s no way he’s going to beat me.

“I won my title against Kevin Anderson and he was a strong puncher but I out-manoeuvred him and will do the same again against Craig Watson. ”

Nuumbembe’s trainer Bob Shannon believes the experience his fighter gained in taking the Commonwealth crown from Anderson in Kirkcaldy last February will prove to be the decisive factor.

“It’s going to be an interesting fight, Craig is strong, he can throw angles, he’s a great puncher but I think it will come down to the biggest factor which is experience and Ali’s got that,” said Shannon.

“He’s done the 12 rounds with Kevin Anderson and matured and that will put him in good stead.

“Craig Watson is a really good fighter, he’s exciting, he’s got a great punch, he’s been in with Amir Khan so he’s got a great chance.  He’s young, ambitious and he’s got a good trainer with Joe Pennington who I respect and who will get him in great shape, but I’m ready and Ali is in great condition.”