By George M. Phillips

Do not tell Nick "The Stone Man" Firtha that the Gold Rush is over.  "I am heading north in search of gold" stated the Akron, Ohio fighter.  Fritha 16-5-1 (7KOs) will challenge Tye Fields 41-2 (37KOs) for the WBA Native American Heavyweight Championship on Saturday.  Both fighters are seeking to get back in the win column as Firtha lost a very disputed decision in April over Neven Pajkic while Fields is coming off a devestating first round KO to the hands of Monte Barrett in June of 2008. 

"Fields is a good fighter but has a padded record and a weak chin, I plan to test his chin early and often in the fight" said Firtha as he appeared on the Weekly Cleveland Radio Show "Unsportsmans Like Conduct." 

Firtha also commented on his game plan for the fight.  "I am getting in his face at the opening bell, and I am willing to take some punishment for the first few rounds to wear him down."  Firtha is no stranger to wars.  Many of his victories have come with a price.  "It is second nature to me to go toe to toe with my opponent,that is why I am the StoneMan." 

The fight is being billed as "Size Does Matter".  Fields towers at 6'8 and Firtha is close behind at 6'5.  Both fighters weigh past the 250 mark.  What makes this interesting is that both fighters are well rounded athletes.  Not only do both possess intimidating height and brute strength but can both move as if they were light-heavyweights.  It is taking place at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edminton, Canada and is presented by Field's promotional company, Big Sky Promotions. 

"This is my first fight since my family and I moved to Edmonton, and my first fight under my own promotional company." said Fields.  When asked if this will be a distraction to him, Firtha responded with a resounding "NO!, I have fought in hostile environments before and this is no different. Obviously you do not want the fight to go the distance in one's hometown and I will make sure that it does not go the full 12."

Firtha has always been a student of the sweet science.  His father taught him not only about how to conduct himself in the ring but how to be a gentleman outside the ring.  Those qualities have been embedded in Firtha as he takes his game to another level. 

This camp, Firhta has a new face current heavyweight contender and former world title challenger Ray "The Rainman" Austin is the preferred sparring partner this camp. "Ray has generously donated his time to get me ready for June 20th.  He and Ty are very similiar in height and weight.  Ray is also sparring southpaw with me.  I have the opportunity to pick the brain of one of the best in the game."  FIrtha & Austin has sparred approximately 280 rounds thus far. 

"I know I am at a different level physically, mentally and emotionally for this fight" said Firtha.