By Phillip Corry
and agencies
THE best super welterweight in the world, Kassim “The Dream†Ouma squares off against top challenger Roman “Made in Hell†Karmazin next Thursday in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
The biggest clash in the 154-pound class will come two days after the best middleweight bout in the world when Bernard “The Executioner†Hopkins puts his title on the line against unbeaten Jermain “Bad Intentions†Taylor.
“I am a true world champion,†said Ouma — voted by Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) Sportsman of 2004.
“That means I am the champion of all people around the globe, and I am honoured to defend my title, so all my fans can see ‘The Dream’ do what he does best - win.â€
“We’ve always wanted the Boxeo De Oro series to showcase the best fighters in boxing, and when the opportunity arose to have Ouma defend his title on HBO Latino, the decision was a no brainer for us,†said Golden Boy Promotions boss Oscar De La Hoya.
The 12-round IBF championship contest headlines a very special edition of HBO Latino’s hit series.
Only 26 years old, Ouma (21-1-1, 13 kos) is not only one of the premier fighters in the world today, he is also one of boxing’s most compelling young men.
He made his professional debut in 1998 against Napoleon Middlebrooks, and has since then thrilled fans with his frenetic work rate and joy in the ring.
In his last bout, on January 29, 2005, Ouma was outstanding in defeating tough challenger Kofi Jantuah over 12 rounds.
One of boxing’s top junior middleweight contenders for years, Russia’s Roman Karmazin (33-1-1, 21 kos) is focused on just one thing as he puts himself through the daily rigours of training – winning a world championship.
A nine-year veteran of the prize ring, the 32-year old mandatory title challenger with the heavy hands is currently riding a five-fights unbeaten streak that includes a stoppage of previously unbeaten Spaniard Jorge Araujo, a TKO of British prospect David Walker, and a decision win over former world champion Keith Holmes of the United States.