Former amateur standout Sullivan Barrera (15-0) is in the final stages of his training camp for his July 25th showdown against once beaten Vasily Lepikhin for the USABA light heavyweight strap. The fight will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center under the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip.
Sullivan has tried to land fights against Isaac Chilemba (the only person to beat Lipikhin), Jean Pascal and other top fighters in the division but so far all of his efforts have been rebuffed. He plans on defeating Lepikhin in such a dominating manner that HBO will force some of these top fighters to face him.
“I’m tired of these guys ducking me. The best should fight the best. That’s what made boxing great but none of these guys will fight me. I respect Lepikhin for getting in the ring with me. After I destroy him hopefully HBO and the fans will take notice and demand that these guys fight me. I am ready for any of the top fighters,” Barrera stated.
While proud of his Cuban roots, Barrera wants to make it known that he is a versatile fighter and can adapt to any style to win in dominant fashion. All Barrera needs is for a top 10 contender to accept a fight with him.
“I am Cuban and proud of the Cuban school and with Abel Sanchez in my corner, I have the best of both worlds. I can box. I can bang. I can do it all. I’ve called out all of these guys and and we are ready to make a deal to face them.
“All I need is the opportunity and after I showcase my skills on the 25th, I hope to get my opportunity to face a top opponent. Pascal, Chilemba, Seanie Monaghan and any of the champions are all on my radar. We really pushed hard to get Pascal but he had no interest in fighting me,” said Barrera.
Photo Credit: Willie Suarez/ Deporte Cubano USA
