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kenyan_cheena · 03-26-2008, 08:37 PM

LOCKRIDGE EXCITED ABOUT
WHITAKER CLASH

Saturday 21 September 2002

His friends say that Rocky Lockridge has never backed down from a challenge his whole life and in five weeks the Dallas native faces possibly the biggest one of his life when he steps in the ring against Olympic gold medallist Pernell Whitaker in series two of the IBL's regional qualifiers. The hard-hitting Lightweight was victorious in his professional debut last night, scoring a majority decision victory over Mexico's Arturo Lomeli at West Virginia's Mountaineer Race Track & Resort. The series two schedule was revealed following the conclusion of the card and it confirmed that Lockridge and Whitaker will step in the ring against each other on the 26th of October.

Lockridge was one of the standouts at the International Boxing League's Houston selection trials back in May, his punching power and solid all-round skills earning him plaudits from IBL scouts. However, the 20 year-old had been somewhat overlooked leading into last night's event, much of the attention focused on Whitaker and the two New Yorkers, Canzoneri and Plunkett. Far from being concerned about facing Whitaker, Lockridge said today that he can't wait to trade punches with the Virginia-born favourite for the Lightweight World Championship.

"I was just pumped when I saw my name come up nex' to his," said Lockridge. "I trained my ass off comin' into the tourney and there ain't no doubt I'll be ready for him. Been a few Olympians that have lost so far so ain't no reason why I can't add his name to the list."

Lockridge spoke of the pride he feels being a native Texan and said that he hopes to make his fellow Lone Star state residents proud.

"Everyone saw what happen with Jacky Johnson," Lockridge said. "Dude up and left for Cali, left his roots behind, man. You ain't gonna see anthing like that from me. I'll be representin' Texas proudly each time I climb between the ropes and it's my goal to one day bring that Lightweight World title to the Texas State Capitol and show it for everyone to see. That's my ambition and it fuels everything I do, each day."

Whether or not Lockridge has the talent to defeat Whitaker is highly questionable, but one cannot doubt his determination and drive. Those attributes alone should make for an exciting tussle come October 26...

03-26-2008, 08:37 PM	#506 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,312	LOCKRIDGE EXCITED ABOUT WHITAKER CLASH Saturday 21 September 2002 His friends say that Rocky Lockridge has never backed down from a challenge his whole life and in five weeks the Dallas native faces possibly the biggest one of his life when he steps in the ring against Olympic gold medallist Pernell Whitaker in series two of the IBL's regional qualifiers. The hard-hitting Lightweight was victorious in his professional debut last night, scoring a majority decision victory over Mexico's Arturo Lomeli at West Virginia's Mountaineer Race Track & Resort. The series two schedule was revealed following the conclusion of the card and it confirmed that Lockridge and Whitaker will step in the ring against each other on the 26th of October. Lockridge was one of the standouts at the International Boxing League's Houston selection trials back in May, his punching power and solid all-round skills earning him plaudits from IBL scouts. However, the 20 year-old had been somewhat overlooked leading into last night's event, much of the attention focused on Whitaker and the two New Yorkers, Canzoneri and Plunkett. Far from being concerned about facing Whitaker, Lockridge said today that he can't wait to trade punches with the Virginia-born favourite for the Lightweight World Championship. "I was just pumped when I saw my name come up nex' to his," said Lockridge. "I trained my ass off comin' into the tourney and there ain't no doubt I'll be ready for him. Been a few Olympians that have lost so far so ain't no reason why I can't add his name to the list." Lockridge spoke of the pride he feels being a native Texan and said that he hopes to make his fellow Lone Star state residents proud. "Everyone saw what happen with Jacky Johnson," Lockridge said. "Dude up and left for Cali, left his roots behind, man. You ain't gonna see anthing like that from me. I'll be representin' Texas proudly each time I climb between the ropes and it's my goal to one day bring that Lightweight World title to the Texas State Capitol and show it for everyone to see. That's my ambition and it fuels everything I do, each day." Whether or not Lockridge has the talent to defeat Whitaker is highly questionable, but one cannot doubt his determination and drive. Those attributes alone should make for an exciting tussle come October 26... __________________ The Heavyweight Boxing Federation The Heavyweight Boxing Federation: Tournament Group Standings The International Boxing League MLB: 1958 and Beyond... Last edited by kenyan_cheena : 08-22-2008 at 04:54 AM.