17.11.05 – By Tony Nobbs: Eric “Butterbean” Esch and local hope Baden Oui came face to face for the first time at yesterday’s press conference for tonight’s four round heavyweight feature at he Gold Coast’s Carrara Indoor Stadium. In front of a well attended media contingent at Jupiters Casino the pair spoke about a controversy filled week. Just a few days ago the unheralded Oui could have walked down the main street of Surfers Paradise unnoticed but that will have changed by the time he steps into the ring with his heavily favoured and more notorious American opponent.
“Is he a big man or what?” joked Oui when asked if he would be intimidated by the size difference punctuated with a defiant “NO!”.
What does he expected from the 37 year old from Jasper, Alabama?
“I expect him to come straight at me and look for a knockout,” he said before adding “I know I’m not expected to win. But I’m here to win!”
Oui, born in Gordonvale, North Queensland 31 years back has campaigned out of the Gold Coast in 2005 after a disappointing start to his pro carer last year. “I have had a good schedule of fights this year and I’m pretty match fit. I’ve been running and looking for a fight so my fitness wont be a problem” continued the late replacement who originally was on the short list of prospective opponents for Esch.
On Wednesday, 6’4″ Oui called The Bean a “fat slob” who he will “knock out” but downplayed those comments at the gathering. “The reporter asked me a question and it was just heat of the moment. When we get into the ring we are both boxers, we are both people. I just hope it is a good fight and that neither of us gets seriously hurt.”
Sitting alongside Coast icon Joe Bugner, the reserved Baden said he hopes the Queensland sporting public turns out in force to urge him on to what will be a mammoth upset.
Esch was understandably more relaxed in front of the cameras and said he didn’t take to much notice of what Oui said. “Really, I don’t like it when my opponents talks trash. I don’t want to dislike anyone. Really, out of all of my fights, boxing, tough man, K1, there has only been one guy I didn’t like. I try to get on with every one and you know, I don’t like to get into trash because when that bell rings, your mouth isn’t going to help you.”
“I don’t know anything about him but I’m sure he will try his best to knock me out and make a name for himself. And that is what I want. That is what the public want. People don’t want to see ballet. They want to see a knockout. Even if I was fighting my brother who I was raised with, I would go for it.”
At the end of the questioning, the two fighters shaped up and shook hands, Esch whispered to Oui “The loser buys a beer afterwards.”
Baden nodded with a grin.
At last nights weigh in Oui came in at 107.9 kg. Esch hopped on the scales on Wednesday at the Carrara Markets and packed 175kg.
Current Aussie betting odds have Esch at $1.18, Oui at $4.25.
Other weights for the seven bout card are:
Les Sherrington 75.40 – AramaTabuai 76.00
Sonni Michael Angelo 72.15 – Matt Te Paa 70. 85
Gavin Topp 73.95 – Fili Mailata 73.85
Brad Hemming 65.00 – Dan Cody 63.10
John Szigeti 116.80 – Shane Norford (to weight tonight)
Steve Tiernan 75.40 – Wiliam Hadlow 75.10.
Promoter: Jamie Myer.
First fight 6.30 pm Qld time.
Fox Sports commentators: Andy Raymond and Brad Vocale.