By Gregory Evertsz

Veteran trainer Stacey McKinley, trainer of over 30 champions most notably Mike Tyson for 10 years says - “Most boxing analyst and fighters alike feel that this kid could be a great”. Amir “young Master” Iman 11W (10KO’s) – 0 L will be facing veteran boxer Sergio Perez 28W (19KO’s) – 15L for the WBA – NABA championship on December 20th at Resort World Casino in Queens N.Y. as part of 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions card. Iman trains out Pompano Beach Fl by way of Albany N.Y. and after being an Olympic alternate he chose to turn pro under the banner of Don King Promotions. He has recently been sparring with Dominican Republic’s lightweight national champion Eudy Bernardo 17W(12KO’s) – 0L who is a new prospect at Iron Mike Productions under the supervision of Rivalta Management. “Although he has only 11 fights, Amir will be world champion in 2014” – says McKinley.

ANDOVER, KS - Undefeated light heavyweight Jeff Page Jr,  looks back at his year in review, and ten things stand out. Reminiscent to the throwback fighters of the past, the light heavyweight took a page from the history books by tackling the task of having ten bouts in 2013. As a professional, Page sports a record of 10-0, 6 KO’s, 6 of those victories come via knock outs.

In his last bout Page defeated the always tough and durable Donny McCrary by scoring a 2nd round KO victory and in the process earned the UBF US-Midwest title.

After the victory not only has Page’s star power dramatically jump up, his rankings skyrocketed as well, passing up fighters such as former WBC super middleweight champion Cristian Sanavia, former WBA world title contender Randy Griffin, the former WBA Pan African & Ghanaian light heavyweight champion Emmanuel Danso, former NABA light heavyweight champion, former USBO and WBO NABO Youth light heavyweight champion Mark Tucker just to name a few.

Now Page is looking to make another statement on February 15, 2014, as he prepares to battle the twice defeated Derek Hinkey of Reno, NV. The always game Hinkey (9-2, 8 KO’s), scored a 2nd round TKO victory his last bout over the former Arizona state super middleweight champion Anthony Bartinelli.

 “He is a durable fighter and I am not taking him lightly.  I am looking to put on a solid display. I am eyeing the light heavyweight division” – said Jeff Page Jr.

The proposed bout is sanctioned the Universal Boxing Federation for the UBF All-Americas title, the Page vs. Hinkey is promoted by Page’s father and promoter Jeff Page Sr. of Strike King Combat.

“Every fight Jeff has fought we have increased the level of his opponents and we feel that Hinkey and Jeff will deliver nonstop excitement that will leave the fans in awe” –promoter Jeff Page Sr.

Maurice Weber: “2014 Could Become My Year!”

Cologne - Since a career-threatening hand injury forced Maurice Weber (32) to temporarily retire for three years in 2008, he fought seven times on the undercards of his friends and promoter Felix Sturm. Weber won all seven bouts, mostly in dominating fashion. His last fight came on the eve of Sturm’s record-breaking fourth world title win at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, on December 7, 2013. Weber stopped journeyman Volodymyr Borovskyy in just two rounds.

Following his seventh straight win, Weber spoke about necessity of easier fights after his comeback, the year 2014 and about his friend Felix Sturm:

Maurice Weber about…

… his comeback: “First of all, I’m very thankful to Felix and the whole Sturm Box-

Promotion team. We have everything a fighter could wish for at our gym in Cologne. I didn’t progress at my old promoter Universum because they had just too many boxers at their gym. That has changed now. Now, I have a world-class trainer in Magomed Schaburow on my side. He helped me to progress a lot. And I have the opportunity to learn from a fighter who has been at the top for more than ten years in Felix Sturm. I completed the last training camp with him and I learned a lot from it.

When I first came back, I wanted to do everything quickly. Too quickly. My dream is to

become Felix’ very first world champion. Therefore, I was calling out the big names and told everyone who would listen that I only wanted big fights. Now I know that those would have come way too early. I needed those seven fights against, with all due respect, lesser opposition to get my rhythm back and pick up new things. Felix always told me that and held me back. I know understand why he did that and he was absolutely right. He also told me time and time again that I have enough time left. In our days, you can become a world-class operator in your mid-thirties. There is no need to rush since I always look out for my body. I don’ t smoke, I don’t drink and I always stay in shape. I have many years left on my clock. Those comeback fights where really important for me.

… the year 2014: “I want to fight for a title next year. I don’t necessarily mean a world title, but a title that puts me closer to my dream of becoming a world champ. I believe I’m ready to take the next step. I still need to develop and I need to prove myself against better opposition now. My career essentially started again with my comeback in 2011. In a way, I only have seven professional fights. I’ll do everything I need to get to the next step. I can go on vacation when I did something noteworthy in the ring. 2014 could become my year!”