Ivan Montiel & Russ Anber

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The Boxing Bulletin's Ivan Montiel caught up with trainer and TSN boxing analyst Russ Anber.

Ivan Montiel: Thanks for taking the time to talk with The Boxing Bulletin, Russ. Let’s start things off your fighter David Lemieux. He’s going to be in action this Saturday against Jason Naugler. How’s he looking in the gym?

Russ Anber: Good. I am happy with the way he’s looking. Fighting at 168 is not exactly what I wanted, but I think this is a good fight for him. It’s a chance to get his hands on the Canadian title and it should be an exciting fight as well. Naugler is a tough experienced fighter and this is a good fight for David to step up in competition.

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Photo © Ivan Montiel - Promoter Allan Tremblay with Alejandro Hernandez and Marvin Sonsona.

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Ivan Montiel had a chance to chat this week with promoter Allan Tremblay, the president of Orion Sports Management.

Ivan Montiel: Thanks Allan for talking with The Boxing Bulletin.  Over the last few years, you have been building boxing back up in Ontario with the Rumble at Rama series.  Can you tell us a bit about the recent progress of the shows?

AT: Yes, we’ve been lucky with some very good fights, and have had lots of new talent and new fans coming in with the Filipino group.  I am expecting the same with Greg Kielsa and the Polish community.  We will also continue to bring Felix Mercedes along, just as we did in Western New York with "Baby" Joe Mesi.  With Mesi, we had a huge star who used to pack the stadium and to go back to that, we need a new star.  We'll build Mercedes up here and eventually we will see Americans make their way across the border as Felix progresses.

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Ivan Montiel and Russ Anber

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Ivan Montiel had a chance to chat this week with TSN's boxing analyst Russ Anber.  The Montreal based trainer gives his take on the Quebec boxing scene - with thoughts on Andrade/Bute, Pascal/Diaconu, David Lemieux and more...

Ivan Montiel: Thanks Russ for checking in with us at The Boxing Bulletin.  Let me start out by asking about this weekend's anticipated rematch between Lucian Bute and Librado Andrade - I am guessing Marlon Wright won’t be the ref this time? 

Russ Anber: No, the ref will not be Marlon Wright.  I understand the IBF has listed their officials and the man in charge will be Benny Esteves.

IM: How do you see the fight going?

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The Boxing Bulletin's Ivan Montiel had a chance to chat briefly with Filipino southpaw Marvin Sonsona's co-trainer Nonito Donaire Sr (pictured) about this Saturday's fight against Mexican Alejandro Hernandez.

Photo © Giordano Ciampini

Ivan Montiel: I've heard Sonsona still has to lose a bit of weight. How's that coming?

Nonito Donaire Sr: Well Sonsona is 6 pounds over at this point in time, but he’s doing just fine.

IM: What do you know about his opponent, Alejandro Hernandez?

ND: We’ve seen his last fight against Wilbert Uicab, and yes sure Hernandez has speed but he lacks power.

IM: What kind of approach will Sonsona bring to the fight this time around?

ND: We will see how Hernandez comes into the fight but it doesn’t matter because Sonsona will counter attack whatever he does.

IM: Sonsona was knocking all of his opponents out and never had gone 12 rounds until his last fight against Lopez. What has Sonsona learned from going 12 hard rounds?

ND: I was surprised that fight went the distance. Lopez got hit a lot yet I believe once this guy gets hit he will go down and out. Sonsona is always ready to go rounds, but with his power he will knock this guy Hernandez out

IM: Any predictions?

ND: I say 4 to 5 rounds so we can go home with no bruises (laughing).

IM: Well señor Donaire thank you for your time, and all the best to Team Sonsona!

ND: Thank you Ivan.

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