Ivana Habazin Ready to Topple a Titan!
In direct contrast with the views and opinions of many, the Croatian born Ivana Habazin (20-3, 7 KO’s) is more than ready to defeat undisputed middleweight champion Claressa “T-rex” Shields (9-0, 2 KO’s).
Naturally, the lavishly celebrated Shields is being tabbed as the heavy favorite to prevail in their upcoming October 5 showdown. To make the odds a little more daunting, their bout for the vacant WBC diamond and WBO super welterweight titles will be contested in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Michigan.
Thankfully for Habazin, none of these would-be obstacles hold any meaning.
READY FOR WAR
Decidedly, Habazin is a familiar name for American fans. However, she is confident in her past accomplishments and the training camp for the impending prizefight. She herself is a two-time, two-divisional champion having won the IBF welterweight and WBC middleweight titles.
In preparation for her bout with T-rex, she has endured a grueling 4-month training camp. Certainly, there are those that might say that is too long of a camp. The Croatian pugilist would disagree.
“So my training camp this time was really long, like four months and I mean I’m always in training I’m always staying ready and prepared, but this training camp was the hardest ever.
“I feel great, I feel in shape, I’m healthy […] I’ve never sparred before like this and I feel ready, I’m really confident and I’m coming to win like I said before. After this preparation I’m much more confident.”
In her estimation, everything is coming right on time. Personally, Habazin feels physically in her prime and in terms of experience, she is the most knowledgeable that she’s ever been. Due to the name of her next foe, many have counted her out and are already theorizing who Shields should fight next.
Yet, for Habazin, the skill level and notoriety of T-rex represent central motivating factors for her. She certainly has held her own in terms of her half of the pre-fight trash talk!
“I really don’t think about the fight being in Flint. It’s not important for me where is the fight, you know? For me, the only important thing is to win and she is the biggest name right now in woman’s boxing and I want to beat her. That’s all.”
ON ENEMY GROUND
When their initial fight date had to be pushed back due to a knee injury that Shields suffered in camp, Habazin was openly doubtful. She took to her InstaGram account to say that she thought the Michigan mauler was actually experiencing difficulties cutting weight.
Shields is dropping down a division, from middleweight to super welterweight, in order to make this fight a reality. In the video, Habazin and her coach ate cake while taking their shots at Claressa Shields. Now, the injury has been dealt with and their bout is a little less than two weeks away.
Only time will tell if Habazin can go into the lion’s den and forcefully claim the vacant belts. Even further, she is faithful that she can do it by way of knockout! If she turned out to be successful in this endeavor Habazin, would greatly shake up women’s boxing, as well as instantly burn her name into the halls of boxing history.
“I think I can punch you know […] right now it’s a different story, and like I said I made my best preparation ever. Never ever before did I do a preparation like this and I feel strong. I really feel strong and I feel like I have the power to knock people out so for this fight, this is my goal.”
3kingsboxing will continue to follow this intriguing prizefight and provide all the latest updates.
By: Bakari Simpson
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