07.12.05 – IBF # 1 Middleweight Sam Soliman relaxed in his hotel room in LA, had this to say about his upcoming fight on the weekend against Winky Wright. “Everything has gone Wright for me in preparation for this bout. Plenty of lead up time – quality sparring – time to acclimatise and importantly plenty of time to research Winky. There is no doubting he’s the real deal with plenty of strengths in his style, however I intend to create chinks in his armour & force error.. I am confident that I have the style to take Winky to places he hasn’t been before and will come up trumps on the night. I am a realist and know what I am up against and know that anything less than 150% against Winky won’t be enough. I am peaking both mentally & physically and the support that I have had from my team – family and fans in Australia has been tremendous. Always looking to take positives out of negative situations – I take all the media reports as added motivation, underdog of the century, with almost all Writing me off. To me this will make it all the more special on Sunday morning – Upset of the Year perhaps ?
“Some even having a go at Winky saying why are you fighting this bum ? Winky in my eyes will always bee a true champion because he has provided me with an opportunity the same way he was. He hasn’t forgotten where he came from which to me says a lot for his character. My message to all the knockers is ; I am fighting a Marquee name Pound for Pound rated 11 time Champ as a main event on HBO – in a fight I believe I can win. I want to fight the best in the division and after watching B-Hop & Jermain go at it on the w/end confirms I am. I would like to thank HBO – Gary Shaw & my promoter Dan Goossen for making this possible & my trainer Dave Hedgcock & Manager Stuart Duncan for believing in me and getting me there.”