Boxing News of Saturday, 7 December 2013

Source: sportsinghana

Agbeko vows to take "the war" to Rigondeaux

Joseph Agbeko (29-4) will make his Top Rank debut this Saturday evening against Guillermo Rigondeaux (12-0) in Atlantic City in an HBO televised main event. The Africa native, who is now trained by Roger Mayweather, said that he had a great training camp in Las Vegas and is ready for fight night.

"Everything has gone well. My body is ready. I am at my peak. I am ready for war," Agbeko stated.

Rigondeaux is a tough southpaw who is regarded as the best super bantamweight in the world. The two-time Olympic gold medallist has an awkward style and most of the top fighters in the division aren't lining to face him. Agbeko said that those are the exact reasons why he is so eager to face the Cuban.

"I know that Rigondeaux is one of the best right now. I believe in beating the best to become the best. You cannot take easy fights to be the best. He is the best and I want to beat him so that I will be the best," Agbeko reasoned.

Agbeko feels that his March fight against Luis Melendez has prepared him well for Rigonndeaux, who holds both the WBO and WBA super bantamweight titles. Rigondeaux defeated Nonito Donaire in his most recent fight.

"I had a comeback for the IBO title against Melendez in March. Melendez is a southpaw like Rigondeaux so I will be ready to go," said Agbeko.

The 33-year-old Agbeko is confident that he will be able to withstand Rigondeaux's power and is willing to take a punch to land a punch. He said that if Rigondeaux opens up and an opportunity to go for the knockout presents itself, he will not hesitate to go for the kill.

"He is a good counter puncher so you have to look out for that. I am ready to take his punches. I also believe he is ready to take mine. If I get a chance to drop him I am going to go for it," Agbeko told BoxingScene.com.