Four fighters set for pivotal showdowns this Saturday, July 2 held an open media workout Thursday as they prepare for their Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes battles live from Santander Arena in Reading, PA.
Unbeaten lightweight contender Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring will take on former title challenger Denis Shafikov in the main event of the evening. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET and features unbeaten Polish prospect Patryk Szymanski taking on former title challenger “Silky” Wilky Campfort.
JAMEL HERRING
“Camp was great. I started in Cincinnati and finished in D.C. with Barry Hunter, Patrice Harris and of course Mike Stafford. During my time in D.C., I sparred with Lamont Peterson, who turned southpaw for me.
“I have a great deal of respect for Shafikov. Tough guy, experienced but he had his chance and it’s my time now. This is my toughest fight on paper but I feel good. It’s my time to earn my respect.
“It’s a huge honor and blessing to headline on ESPN on 4th of July weekend. I want to put on a good show,
“Its extra special to honor on this weekend, being that I was a marine and to headline and I want to put on a patriotic and great performance.
“I believe a win will open the doors for a world title. In my mind, I am taking this fight as a world title fight. That is how important this fight is and before the end of the year, I hope to get a crack at a world title.”
DENIS SHAFIKOV
“Everything went well in camp. We had a four-month camp. We were supposed to fight a couple of months ago but when that fight was cancelled, Denis relaxed for a minute and then this opportunity came up.
“Herring has a great record and he represented the U.S. in the Olympics. He is still young and I feel that my experience will be the determining factor.
“I accepted this fight because a win gets us in line for big opportunities, including another shot at a world championship.”
PATRYK SZYMANSKI
“I’m excited about the opportunity to take on an experienced opponent. I think it will be a good test for me and a chance to show off my skills.
“I’ve worked very hard so that I can leave an impression with my performance. These are the kind of fights that I have to win and win in style if I want to reach my goals in this sport.”
WILKY CAMPFORT
“Training camp went very well. I don’t know too much about my opponent but I did see him fight once in Tampa. Come Saturday night, I will see what he has.
“It means a lot to fight on ESPN. The first fight that I saw that involved a fellow Haitian was Daniel Edouard on ESPN and it gave me a lot of motivation to pursue my career.
“I am not only fighting for myself, but all of the people in Haiti and Florida that have been supporting me.
“A win will put me right back into where I was when I had my long winning streak. A win will put me back in the mix at 154-pounds.”
