Soliman: I am ready for Derevyanchenko

Photo: Werner Kalin

By Ray Wheatley — World of BoxingFormer IBF middleweight champion Sam “King” Soliman talked to Fightnews.com® to report that he is in New York and getting excellent sparring for his ESPN-televised clash against Sergiy Derevyanchenko on July 21 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

“I arrived in New York last Friday and I’m training at Pop’s gym in New York,” Soliman said. “My chief sparring partner is South African Brian Lara who has a record of 16-1, 14 KOs. He is excellent and is similar in style to Sergiy Derevyanchenko. We’re doing twelve rounds sparring on Tuesday and six rounds Wednesday, then after that I’ll do pad work to keep sharp. My knee has been excellent and giving me no problems so I will be in 100% fight shape at Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut on July 21. I want to thank Fightnews and all my fans for their support. Remember the fight will be televised on ESPN. I promise to deliver the goods on fight night!”