By James Slater – This Wednesday’s (Nov. 17th) IBO cruiserweight title fight between champ Danny Green and unbeaten challenger B.J Flores has attracted an absolute ton of attention over in Australia, where the fascinating fight will take place. Green is very much a superstar in his homeland, thanks in large part to his shockingly-quick stoppage of an admittedly faded Roy Jones Junior.
As such, any fight “The Green Machine” has from now until the day he calls it quits will be huge news down under. And against the younger, faster and bigger Flores, 37-year-old Green has a real fight ahead of him – as the defending IBO boss acknowledges.
Green, who believes he will probably never top his 1st-round stoppage win over Jones, saying he will “never beat anyone better” than Jones, feels a win over Flores will certainly be noteworthy. However, in speaking with Australian website Sportsnewsfirst.com, Green confessed he will be carrying at least one minor injury with him into Wednesday’s fight..
“[I’ve had] tough preparation with a few injuries, at age 37 I’m not getting any younger,” Green told the web site. “I won’t divulge them [the injuries]…. nothing life threatening, that’s for sure. But when it prevents you from training it gets frustrating. It’s been a pretty tough preparation having to take some time off.”
Green’s comments are intriguing, and it would be interesting to know if Flores has heard about his upcoming opponent’s injury revelations – even if Green has been cagey with regards to saying what his injuries are. Flores himself has had a great camp, as he told me over the phone before leaving for Australia well over a week ago. Pumped up beyond belief for his big chance, Flores has left nothing to chance in the gym. And, if Green is not 100-percent in the fight (and even if he is), he may have a torrid time keeping hold of his belt.
Flores has spoken of Wednesday’s big fight as his “coming out party,” and he also informed me today (via e-mail) how he “is ready to put it on this guy!” and how he is “more than ready to go into the lion’s den and lift Green of his title.”
Flores anticipates a tough fight he says, but one he is sure he is up to winning. “No risk no reward,” B.J wrote in his e-mail, and, “I’m feeling fantastic.”
One look at the recent photo of Flores lets you know he is indeed in great physical shape. And the one concern some of his fans have pointed to ahead of his big opportunity – in his ring inactivity as of late, with just one fight in the last 15 months – is not bothering the challenger one bit.
Pointing out how Green has not had too many rounds in the ring in recent months himself (just four rounds since August of last year, the month when Flores last boxed), the 31-year-old dismissed the idea of Green being sharper than him in the fight.
This fight really is the acid test for Flores, and he is well aware of that fact. But can he pass the test?
Green is a dangerous puncher, but Flores is a talented boxer who can hit well enough himself. And in terms of being motivated, no way can Green possibly be as “up” for this fight as his challenger. It won’t be easy, as Flores says himself, but I can see him winning either a points victory or maybe a late stoppage.
As Flores promises: “That IBO belt is coming home to America!”