Light heavyweight prospect Umberto “El Don” Savigne (10-1, 7 KOs) looks to make a major statement on this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights.
Savigne, now fighting out of Miami, takes on undefeated Brazilian invader Jackson “Demolidor” Junior (14-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on Banner Promotions’ card at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.
The reigning WBA Fedelatin and WBC FECARBOX 175-pound titlist, Savigne is a two-time Cuban National champion, who won a gold medal at the 1998 World Cup.
“A week after my last fight (Nov. 30),” Savigne said, “I was back in the gym working with my team: German Caidedo, Micky Ward and Claudio Lamont. Our goal is to go far beyond Jackson Junior. We know it’s in the gym where we can achieve our goals.”
The 27-year-old Junior is the WBO Latino light heavyweight champion, fighting in the United States for only the second time, having defeated former U.S. Olympian Dante Craig by first-round technical knockout this past January at Turning Stone.
“His fights and record definitely don’t impress me,” Savigne added, “We’re talking about a fighter who has made his career largely in Brazil. The level of his opponents is not something that scares me.
“We want to make it very clear that we respect him as an athlete and boxer. Because of that I will come to New York in the best possible condition for our fight. We believe that is the greatest respect we can show him. I’ve been training hard the last three months for this fight.”
Savigne is world rated by the World Boxing Association (WBA) as No. 5, as well as No. 10 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
“Savigne is one of the most loyal, toughest kids around,” commented Henry Rivalta, Acquinity Sports Vice President of Boxing Operations. “His work ethic is unquestionable .He’s always coming to win, no matter where he goes to fight. Humberto came here (Miami) in a raft (from his native Cuba) to find freedom. He’s dreamed about tough fights like this to motivate himself. I am looking forward to working with Artie Pelullo (Banner Promotions) on this card as well as the future.”
