By Sergio Martinez

 

This coming Saturday, November 18, 2006, on the under-card of the Erik Morales-Manny Pacquiao rubber-match, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis and Ricardo Torres face off for the vacant WBO 140-pound title. Because of the styles involved this contest should be a memorable one as both Torres and Arnaoutis are young, strong and hungry junior welterweights. Arnaoutis is preparing to reach the pinnacle of a career spanning more than half a decade.

 

His arrival marks great accomplishments for both the fighter and his thriving management company. “I was an amateur national boxing champion in Greece looking to turn professional. Greece is a nation that does not really follow boxing so the opportunities are not there. I began trying to get in to contact with Greek Cypriot Mike Michael (Cestus Management), because I knew that his company could get me where I wanted to be,” said “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis from his home base of New Jersey.

 

Although the road has not always been simple, Cestus Management was able to navigate and groom the young Greek fighter so that he can be fully prepared for his title shot. “I, like any other fighter, want to be a world champion but do not really know what it takes since I have never won a professional world title before. I know that Cestus Management has the experience and gave me the fights that I needed to make sure that I succeed.”

 

Arnaoutis continued, “Mike Michael was part of the Panos Eliades team when they represented former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. That’s the kind of experience that a fighter needs in his management team so I knew that my career was moved the right way and I am ready for this coming Saturday.”

 

And in regards to his opponent, Ricardo Torres, Arnaoutis feels that, although the fight will be a challenge, he has all of the tools needed to win big. “I have seen his (Torres) fight against Cotto and know that Torres is a strong fighter who likes to brawl. He is tough and I am anticipating an onslaught early. I’m going to box smart and I’m going to listen to my team’s instructions. All of my power, heart and abilities will be shown that night. I don’t care about his fight against Cotto because that doesn’t matter right now. I’m going to win that title and I am not leaving Vegas without my belt.”

 

Should he be victorious in his first world title bid, Arnaoutis will become only the second professional boxing world champion in the history of Greece. That realization is something that “Mighty” Mike cannot wait to experience. “Becoming part of history is something that everyone out there wants. The opportunity has now been put in front of me thanks to the great management team that I have in Cestus. They have made all of this possible and, together, we are ready to become part of history.”

 

Mike Michael, Cestus Management’s chief advisor, added, “It is really something very special to know that we took a kid from oblivion and have brought him all the way to the world title. I think that Cestus Management has shown with Mighty Mike that we have the blueprint and know what is needed to get any fighter to a championship level. This is only the beginning as we have a lot more work to do in the business of boxing. We are the makers of champions and encourage any fighter who wants to get to the top to check us out at www.cestusmanagement.com.”

 

In closing, Arnaoutis said, “I’m ready for this fight and know that I am going to win. I will win on Saturday for myself, my management team and the country of Greece. The last thing that I want to say is: Ola Yia tin Ellada.”