ndefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem declared his upcoming showdown against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman “a chess match, but a brutal one,” as he prepares to step into the ring in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator that serves as the co-main event live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu returning to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo.
The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.
Here was what Aleem had to say about training camp prior to arriving in Australia last Thursday, and more:
On his matchup with Sam Goodman:
“I believe my fight with Goodman is going to be a war. He does a lot of nice things in the ring, but so do I. It’s a matchup of unique styles. He likes to fight off the back foot and I like to do multiple things. I’ll be throwing hard punches as always looking for the knockout. It’s going to be a chess match, but a brutal one.”
On his recent training camp:
“I kept my weight in check, so I feel strong going into this fight. I feel everything came together during this camp and I’m ready to go.”
On fighting outside of the U.S. for the first time:
“Deep down inside I’m excited to be fighting Goodman in his Australia, where he calls home. I’m a proud American and I’ll do anything to bring pride to our country. Although it’s just a boxing match, we’ll be going toe-to-toe, and I’ll be representing the great United States of America.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“Winning this fight will catapult me to a world title shot. Not only am I fighting someone in his own country, but it’s a title elimination bout to see who’s next to fight for the title. Everything changes for me if I win this fight, so you best believe I’m coming with everything I got. I’m leaving everything in the ring against Goodman.”
It was also announced that the event scheduled for June 18 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre was now sold out.
The fight will be broadcast live on Foxtel’s Main Event and Kayo Sports in Australia and on Showtime in the USA. The event is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast.
“It’s really exciting for us and it shows the magnitude of Tim Tszyu and his status here in Australia,” No Limit CEO George Rose said.
“No other fighter comes close on this side of the globe and our shows are world class. I know the crowd on the night is going to raise the roof without a doubt.”
“We’ll be working to create some more ticketing options if possible, as I know there’s a lot of people from Sydney and other states who want to get up there to enjoy the Gold Coast, so we’ll be working on that that this week.”
“Blockbuster events like the Tim Tszyu world title fight put the Gold Coast in the global spotlight and help grow our reputation as the ultimate events destination,” said Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick.
“The fact that in just a few weeks promoters have been able to sell out a venue, is proof that the city is perfectly placed to host major international and national events that return great results for both the event organisers and the local economy.”
LIAM WILSON RETURN ON TSZYU UNDERCARD POSTPONED DUE TO INJURY
World rated super-featherweight Liam Wilson is off the Tim Tszyu v Carlos Ocampo world title undercard after sustaining an injury whilst training.
The hard hitting Queenslander was scheduled to make his return against Mexican Eduardo Ramirez 27-3-3 (12,KO) on the Gold Coast title card for June 18.
His last fight was a controversial world title loss against Emmanuel Navarrete in Arizona in February.
Wilson (11-2, 7KO) will take a few weeks off before a new date for his return is announced.