Boxer Adrian Roach To Face Canadian Opponent
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Boxer Adrian Roach has enjoyed highly skilled sparring in Las Vegas in preparation for one of his toughest assignments when he faces Canadian Taverio Stewart at the Bermuda College on Saturday [August 10].
Roach spent three weeks in “Sin City”, training under coaches Kay Koroma and DJ Zamora, sparring with top names such as former world champions Regis Prograis and Rolando Romero and undefeated Kenneth Sims Jr.
“I’ve been training hard in Las Vegas and feel primed and ready,” Roach told Bernews.
“I definitely got some great work out there. It’s a learning experience to spar guys you look up to and it gives you a gauge of where you’re at in your development.”
The 22-year-old said his opponent Stewart, 24, is well known on the Canadian amateur circuit and knows he must be at his best to improve his record of 28 wins and six losses when the pair meet in the headline contest in Fight Fest.
“He’s been doing well in Canada, winning tournaments, so I expect it to be a tough fight,” the super-welterweight said.
“That’s what I train for and I’m coming prepared. It’s a different feeling headlining a card – the pressure is on.
“When the bell goes and we start to fight, it will just be another night at the office.”
Roach, who trains locally at Controversy Gym under coach Leo Richardson, said he expects to join the pro ranks at the end of the year or early next year.
“The next Olympics [in Los Angeles] is four years away and I don’t see myself remaining an amateur until then,” he added.
“I might have a few more tournaments and then turn professional.”
Nathan Dill, the Bermuda Boxing Federation [BBF] president, said Fight Fest will be an opportunity for local supporters to watch Roach against an high-calibre opponent.
“Adrian faces guys similar to this whenever he fights overseas at major tournaments, but this will be an opportunity for local fans to see him against an elite amateur boxer,” Dill said.
“He will probably be the underdog, but I have full faith in him with a home crowd spurring him on.”
The BBF event will include seven adult bouts, including other top local pugilists Jaylon Roberts, Bruce Perinchief and Ngai Franklin against Canadian opponents.
There will also be one masters contest featuring top local coach Richardson, who will celebrate his birthday by facing American Omar Anderson, and three junior bouts. The event starts at 6 pm.
Tickets cost $65 for ringside, $40 for general adults and $25 for under-16s.
For tickets, click here
