Russell hunts NABF title tonight in NY

Kemahl 'The Hitman' Russell, Jamaica's best hope for another world boxing title, will have an important fight against American Ian 'The General' Green for the Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) middleweight title tonight at the Resorts World Casino in New York.

The fight is being promoted by Real Deal Promotions, a new promotion company led by former World heavyweight boxing champion Evander 'The Real Deal' Holyfield.

It will be only the second card put on by this new company, but it is getting a lot of celebrity attention. The main bout will be broadcast by CBS Sports.

This fight means a lot to Russell, and his manager, Leiza Keane, told The Gleaner yesterday that an impressive win by Russell could lead to a lucrative promotional contract with Real Deal Promotions.

IMPRESSIVE RECORD

"Holyfield has told us that he is impressed with Russell's 11-1 record, with nine knockouts, and sees a lot of potential in him for the future. He has also told us that if Kemahl wins impressively, his company will sign a long-term contract with us and make sure that Kemahl gets some good fights over the next 12 months. This puts a lot of a pressure on us, but I am confident that Kemahl is up to it and will have a good fight."

Russell himself is very confident and said yesterday: "Green is a good fighter and I know that he will challenge me. I have put in the work, however, and after knocking out (Nigel) Edwards in July, I went right back to the gym. I am ready for this fight, and the only thing that I will have to do now is to execute. He is a dangerous opponent and is coming to fight, and knowing this, it will bring out the best in me."

Green, who has an impressive 12-1 record, also has nine knockouts to his credit, and the general feeling, therefore, is that the fight will not go the distance. Russell has stated, however, that he will not be going into the fight with a knockout in mind.

"I am going in with the intention of winning every round, but if the opportunity for a knockout comes, I will certainly take it."

Green said at a news conference on Friday that he, too, was ready for the challenge and was confident of victory. It should, therefore, be a keen, hard-fought fight between two well-trained boxers who have a lot at stake, and will, therefore, be giving of their best.