Sakio Bika – “I am the toughest fighter in the division”

 
AUSTRALIA’S Sakio Bika will defend his WBC super middleweight title for the second time against undefeated American Anthony Dirrell, on 16th August 2014 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

 
The bout will be televised live in Australia through Main Event pay-per-view on Sunday August 17th from 11am as part of a triple header that features three world title fights.

 
On hearing the news earlier this week that a fifth Australian professional boxer in former world challenger Daniel Dawson, would be fighting on boxing’s biggest stage in the US, defending WBC titlist Sakio Bika was full of praise for the state of Australian boxing.

 
“It is a great time for Australian boxing. I am proud to be representing Australia at a time when we have so many talented boxers fighting for world titles at an elite level” said Bika in a media release. “I am so pleased that Daniel Dawson has this opportunity to show the world that he can compete with the best in the world.”

 
“He is a great fighter with great heart. He will always be a tough opponent for any fighter and is not scared to take on the best in the world,” he continued. “Austin Trout is a great boxer and will be tough opposition but I wish Daniel Dawson all the best in his fight.”

 
“This is a great time for the people of Australia to get behind our professional boxers as they compete against the best on the biggest stage in boxing.”

 
The twelve round championship fight will be a rematch of their December tussle. In that fight, Bika, 35, battled to a draw against Dirrell – who negated Bika’s swarming style with an awkward switch-hitting stance.

 
Bika, who was floored in the fifth round and penalized a point for a foul will go into the rematch as an underdog, despite entering the rematch as the reigning champion.

 
“I am training hard in St Louis and I feel in the best shape of my career,” he continued. “I am looking forward to the night and I will show the world that I am the toughest fighter in the division.”

 
Providing Bika is successful, it appears more than likely that he will face the winner of the official WBC super middleweight title eliminator between George Groves and Christopher Rebrasse in September. Although a fight between the winner of Groves and Rebrasse is some time away, as Bika is solely focussing on the task that lies ahead.

 
“I was at Wembley in May to watch Carl Froch knock out George Groves. I was impressed by the way. Froch handled his unfinished business with George Groves and now I want to do the same with Dirrell.” he explained. “I felt I won the first fight with Dirrell and I’m happy my management has been able to organise a rematch to show the world that I am the undisputed WBC champion.”

 
“Dirrell was very lucky to get the draw. I was the busier fighter – throwing and landing the most punches – and I dropped him with a body shot which was counted as a low blow.”

 
“I will be in the best shape of my professional career in August and will show boxing fans around the world that Dirrell is all bark and no bite and then I am going after Carl Froch.”

 
 
Photo: Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions