IBF title opportunity for Nav Mansouri in Spain
Nav Mansouri (19-1-2) will look to send a big statement to the rest of the super-welterweight division on February 16 when he takes on Jorge Fortea (18-1-2) for the IBF Inter-Continental title.
Mansouri, 29 from Rotherham, faces Fortea, 28 from Sueca, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Malaga, and he’s hoping to begin 2019 with a new belt wrapped firmly around his waist.He said:“It’s a massive opportunity and a big fight. I’m excited for it and we’ve prepared very well. I’ve taken myself away from my surroundings and been in a hotel for this camp, and it’s just been training and resting non-stop.
“The bigger the opportunity the more drive you’ll have, and that’s why I’ve pushed myself so much for this fight. I’m not boxing someone to do the rounds.
"I’m boxing someone who is coming trying to beat me and take the next step himself.
“It makes it more exciting and worthwhile, and I’ll get a world ranking out of it with a win so that’s great too.
"I’ve got a good following out here in Spain now and I appreciate all the fans coming and supporting me. He’s Spanish champion, but most of the support will be for me.”
Mansouri’s last three outings in Spain have all seen him win in impressive fashion, including a stoppage win over Bogdan Mitic at the Plaza de Toros back in October.
His forthcoming opponent won the Spanish super-welterweight title in July 2018 on his second attempt, his one and only career defeat was on his first crack at the national championship two years prior.
He is also competing alongside some of his MTK Global stablemates on the bill, with Joe Sherriff in action against Alvaro Terrero, Ion Costin taking on Brandon Oertel, and Antonio Gomez facing Abdelaziz Zdite.
Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal