Wladimir Sidorenko vs Nobuto Ikehara © fightnews.com

There was a press conference of a forthcoming WBC and WBA bantamweight title bouts on Tuesday in Osaka, Japan. When WBC top ranked European bantam champ Simone Maludrottu (26-1, 9 KOs), 29, replied to a question of a Japanese press, people burst into laughter. Maludrottu, a handsome Italian challenger, said, "We, European boxers, won't speak big nor shout loudly before the title bout like in the US. We're modest people."
It might be a strange press conference from the viewpoint of US fight fans, since all the four contestants were so sportsmanlike and sincere that they wonderfully showed their high respects to the opponents each other.

WBC bantam defending champ Hozumi Hasegawa (22-2, 7 KOs), 27, also praised the official challenger's good credentials and good manner. The Japanese southpaw, making his fifth defense, said, "We have almost similar physique, but I have a better experience than Maludrottu, having defended my belt since my coronation." Asked about his experience of having fought southpaw opponents, Maludrottu said, "I have met five or six lefty opponents, so I have no problem."

WBA bantam ruler Wladimir Sidorenko (20-0-2, 7 KOs), 31, replied on his impression on his WBA#4 Japanese challenger Nobuto Ikehara (27-1, 19 KOs), also 31, saying, "He has a same peek-a-boo style with me, and he has physical power and also seems to have mental strength. I don't take him lightly." Asked about his advantage to the champ, Ikehara said, "I'm taller, if not more experienced in world title bouts. I'll show my heart against the strong champ who has kept his title five times."