Ricky Hatton: Beware of 'Sucra' Ray Oliveira
"I am going to break him down with my boxing skill and with an accumulation of punches"
by
Julius Stecker
12/7 - Jr. welterweight veteran 'Sucra'
Ray Oliveira, 47-9, is what some would call a "spoiler" and many would call too tough a fight for many of today's contenders. Luckily, heavily regarded WBU champion and top IBF ranked Ricky Hatton is giving this wiley veteran a shot.
Oliveira has a reputation for giving everyone he fights, 12-rounds of hell throwing punches from every angle. Having beaten the likes of former world champions, Charles Murray, Vince Phillips, and also current WBA 140-lb champ Vivian Harris, Ray's skills are proven. He has set a precedent with his high activity inside the ring. Who could forget his "punchfests" against Vince Phillips and Ben Tackie?
From 1997 to now, Ray has arguably been one of the most popular television fighters in the sport. Oliveira will be looking to add another exciting chapter to his career, when he takes on the highly touted undefeated Hatton at the Excel Arena in London, England, December 11th.
TalkingBoxing.com
caught up with the exciting Oliveira to get his take on the upcoming
fight.
"I feel excellent man, and it is kind of scary how good of shape I am
in. I had no trouble making 140 pounds for this fight. I don't feel weak at
all,"
explained Oliveira.
Ray, who is renowned for his impressive work rate in fights, is holding nothing back in his preparation for this fight and what he thinks about Hatton.
"Honestly, his claim to fame is that he never lost a round against Vince Phillips and that he never lost a round to Ben Tackie. But if you look at it, he fought these guys on the way down. While I fought them on the way up," said Ray.
Hatton is a fighter that has English fight fans, excited and up in arms about his potential. While the majority of the American boxing public is still skeptical of what Hatton has to offer. And you can add Oliveira to that list of skeptical individuals.
"He has not paid his dues yet. I am confident in myself and what I can do in this fight."
While some may feel Oliveira is at the tail end of an excellent career,
the 36 year-old contender believes otherwise. "I know I can beat this kid,
and after I win, I plan on staying at 140 to unify all the titles. And
after that, I can fight at 147 as well."
Don't bet against Ray Oliveira come December 11th. He has proved doubters
wrong in the past, and he plans on doing it again in England against Hatton.
"Expect me to continue to do the things that I do. I am going to break
him
down with my boxing skill, and with an accumulation of punches."
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