Perozzi: I feel it’s going to go my way
Teresa Perozzi is known for always putting her “best foot forward” whenever she steps into the ring.And she says tonight’s WBC World Middleweight Championship rematch at Berkeley Institute Gym with unbeaten rival Tori Nelson will be no exception to the rule.“I always put my best foot forward wherever I am because I’m proud to represent Bermuda,” said Perozzi, shortly after tipping the scale at 158 and a half pounds at yesterday’s official weigh in. “As the years have gone the more Bermuda has supported me and I feel more proud I must say. It’s gone beyond me to do this for.”Perozzi (9-4-2) says she has long yearned for a shot at a title fight in her own back yard.“I’ve asked for this for a long time and Bermuda it’s finally happening,” she said. “It’s been a ten -year struggle so I’m very grateful it’s here and just happy. I feel confident but whichever way the result goes I’m just glad it’s here for the fans who I can’t thank enough.”Perozzi says she can hardly wait to mix it up with Nelson for the second time in nearly four months. The first encounter for the WBC and WBA belts, which saw both fighters dish out some heavy punishment, ended in a stalemate at Fairmont Southampton last October.“I’ve been ready since the day it happened (both fighters agreed to fight) so it’s going to be great,” Perozzi said. “She’s ready to fight and I am as well. I’m excited and really feel good it’s going to go my way.”Perozzi’s WBA title won’t be on the line in tonight’s rematch.Orthodox fighter Nelson (6-0-2), who also tipped the scale at 158 and a half pounds at yesterday’s weigh in, also has high expectations going into the fight.“I’m confident and feel I’m going to beat her again but this time I just got to show the judges that I beat her all hands down,” the reigning WIBA champ declared. “I just got to be a little more busier. I need to get into her head like I did before but I just need to be a bit more busier.”Nelson has been accompanied to the Island by several of her sparring partners who she intends to put on a good show for.“It makes me so happy these boys are here because they are the ones that I spar with,” she said. “These are the boys that help give me the confidence that I have so I’m excited that they are here which will make me go harder.“You will see everything this time and obviously I have to put it all out on the line and bring it all out. I’m feeling good and my boys are here with me. You’re going to see it all and will be very surprised.”Nelson’s WIBA title isn’t up for grabs in tonight’s fight.The ten round WBC World Middleweight Championship fight is co-sanctioned by Bermuda Boxing Council and the WBC and will only be recognised as an official bout at the conclusion of the fourth round.The standing eight and three knock-down rules have both been waived while both fighters can’t be saved by the bell at the end of any round.The fight will be officiated by world renowned referee Steve Smoger while William Boodhoo (Canada), Jack Woodburn (Canada) and Julie Lederman (USA) will serve as ringside judges.Bismarck Morales (USA) is fight supervisor while Bermuda’s own Vic Richmond and Alvin Harvey will serve as fight commissioner and ring announcer.Tickets for tonight’s event can be obtained at the International Sports Shop and PTIX.BM.Doors open at 7pm while boxing commences at 8pm with the first of nine amateur bouts on the undercard.