Soliman: Mundine scared!

By Ray Wheatley

Former WBA champion Anthony Mundine has been at it again responding to the media when questioned about a potential rematch against WBA #3 super middleweight Sam Soliman. Last week he went on record as saying "What for? Who wants to see him fight me?....He fights like an Orangutan."

Speaking from LA where he is preparing to face rugged Mexican (former WBC World Youth Champ) Enrique Ornelas on SHOWTIME, Soliman spoke to Fightnews.

"I have a real fight on my hands this weekend and it is my focus at this stage – but to hear of such pathetic responses I couldn't help but pass comment. Firstly when the media ask questions – they usually prefer logical answers. To respond with two further questions 'What for?' and 'Who would want to see it?' shows signs of a man running out of places to hide. Then to follow it up with a ludicrous comment like 'he fights like an orangutan?'

"I suppose he's got not much better to do as he prepares to face his next sacrificial lamb (Ruben Eduardo Acosta) this week. Facing a boxer who has scraped in four points wins out of his last six outings? One KO in seventeen fights? In his last fight secured his first local title against an opponent with a record of 18-8 on points? Who's the protected species here?

"To answer your questions, 'What for?' Hopefully the vacant WBA Title after this weekend. 'Who wants to see this fight?' Firstly I will tell you who don't want to see it: Anthony Mundine. And those that do: 99% of boxing fans in Australia want to see it. That 99% would include your own fans that hurled objects into the ring and booed you in your own backyard last time we met.

"When you get through your spar uninjured this week and I am victorious – we will be straight onto the WBA to see if we can make this fight happen. Once the WBA approves of this bout and you don't take the challenge, it will prove you can't possibly be "The Man" cause you ain't got no balls."

Soliman's manager Stuart Duncan said he can't get Khoder to return his calls since Sam was rated at #3 Super Middleweight. Duncan stated, "I highly doubt you will ever see this fight culminate and believe Mundine will move weight divisions or take up another sport (Ballet perhaps) before he fights Sam. People say they are both improved boxers which I believe they are, but Sam has improved significantly more losing once only on a close points decision, against an opponent many rate as Pound for Pound #2 in the world Winky Wright (one loss in 22 fights). Mundine has been put to sleep once and been soundly beaten on another two occasions since their last encounter (3 losses in 20 fights). Mundine's not stupid – He's scared."