Perozzi warns ‘It’ll be tough’
Teresa Perozzi is confident she can unify the vacant WBC world middleweight belt with her WBA crown in front of the home crowd.But the Bermudian southpaw admits she has her work cut out against American rival Tori Nelson, who is laying her unbeaten pro record on the line in tomorrow night’s fittingly dubbed ‘All or Nothing’ WBC and WBA Middleweight Boxing Championship at Fairmont Southampton.Speaking to reporters at yesterday’s press conference at Fairmont Southampton, Perozzi said: “She (Nelson) has heart, determination, trains hard, she’s a mother, works two jobs and she’s not here for a payday or vacation.“I respect that and it’s going to be a great fight. When the bell goes we are both going out to win.“I’m very confident and right now it’s all mental going into the fight. I just want to make my coaches and family and everybody proud, and I know I will do my best no matter what the outcome is.”In preparation for her upcoming bout, Perozzi, whose pro record stands at 9-4-1, has sparred with reigning Dynamic Fighting Championship Junior Middleweight champion Nikki Bascome who reckons his compatriot will be equal to the task.“She’s definitely ready,” he declared. “She’s put the work in and now it’s all got to pay off on Saturday.“Her speed and movement is up to par and she just has to stick to the game plan that we have been practising in training.”Sticking to the game plan is precisely what Perozzi intends to do.“I’ve done the physical work and I’m going to do my best to try to implement the work I’ve done over the last month or two and hope for the best,” she said.Nelson, whose pro record stands at 6-0-1, also plans to put what she’s practised in training to good use.“I know what I’ve trained to do and I just have to come and do what I have been training for,” she said. “Nothing new, just doing what I’ve been taught.“I know she’s a southpaw and I know she trains hard, so I know I’m going to have to bring it in order to win this fight. I want it (world titles) bad and I’m always hungry.Like her rival, the top ranked women’s boxer in the United States and multiple Maryland/Washington DC Golden Gloves champion is confident of success and is again relying heavily upon her strong Christian faith to carry her through.“I wanted to be a State Trooper, but God had a different plan for me and I know being that I’m following him I’m going to be successful,” she said. “I’m blessed and God is my everything.”Given Nelson’s impressive record, Bascome cautioned Perozzi not to take anything for granted against her orthodox opponent who currently holds the WIBA middleweight belt that is not up for grabs tomorrow night.“She’s very powerful and has a good right hand,” he said. “She doesn’t give up and is very dedicated, and you can’t underestimate someone that’s dedicated.”