Tensions brewed high during today’s media call between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika as they prepare for their showdown on April 4, 2015 as part of another segment of boxing’s return to network television on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS.
The call began just like any other media call with both fighters giving their respective introductions, but it wouldn’t be long before things took a turn.
Right off the bat you knew that it would be inevitable for the call to go on without someone bringing up Sergey Kovalev‘s name up and that’s exactly what happened. The very first question asked to Superman was if he felt any added pressure or distractions during this camp due to the fact that the whole world is waiting in anticipation for a Light Heavyweight showdown with “The Krusher.”
Stevenson respectfully answered the question and acknowledged the challenge that Bika presents. “Yes I know there is a lot of focus on all these other opponents, but the only person that I am focusing on is Bika. That is the only person I see in front of me.”
Afterwards the topic of drug testing arose and both fighters were very open about the style of drug testing for the bout saying that they both agreed to random drug testing.
Next up came a question for Stevenson’s trainer, Javan “Sugar” Hill, the nephew of legendary trainer Emanuel Steward. Hill was asked if he had any worries about Bika’s style heading into this fight.
“I actually like his style because he comes forward and likes to box and Adonis likes to fight. It’s good for his maturity as a fighter and style wise it will teach him a lot. This will be a test and Adonis loves to be tested,” said a confident Hill.
Adonis gave his own take on the style matchup. “This is definitely motivation for me. I need to apply good pressure throughout the fight. If we go for 12 rounds then I am ready for 12 rounds. There is a saying that Emanuel used to say and it was that KNOCKOUTS SELL and every time I go in the ring I go for the knockout, but I can go 12 rounds too,” said Stevenson.
Shortly after, another Kovalev question came up, with regards to his performance against Pascal. Adonis stated that he was not impressed.
“I’m not impressed because this was the first big fight for Pascal since Hopkins and he hadn’t fought in a long time so he is not really an active boxer like he used to be and that’s why I am not impressed. I know that Kovalev is going to be my mandatory, but right now Bika is in front of me,” proclaimed Stevenson.
This will be the first time that Stevenson will showcase his skills on a network different from HBO and Showtime and along with this will come thousands of fans who will be watching him for the first time. Adonis mentioned the importance of putting on a good performance on PBC not only for himself, but also for the millions of fans that will be tuned in.
“This is why I trained very hard for this fight because I know so many people will be watching. I am very happy and I plan on giving a great performance.”
Soon after this Bika was asked how he prepares for someone like Stevenson, but before he answered the question he made it clear that he was bothered with the amount of questions being asked to Adonis on future opponents. Bika went on to state that he felt disrespected because he felt he was not being taken seriously heading into the fight.
“If he says he wants to knock me out that is fine let him try and if he wants to go 12 rounds that’s fine too. I have faced some of the toughest fighters in boxing and I am ready for April 4,” stated a frustrated Bika.
Kevin Cunningham was asked to comment as well. “All I want to say is thank you to the media for getting my fighter fired up. Now I don’t have to worry about doing it because you guys have done it for me. He feels disrespected and doesn’t even see a reason for him to even be on the call since it is all about Kovalev. I appreciate it,” stated a noticeably agitated Cunningham.
After a barrage of some more Kovalev questions even Stevenson attempted to redirect traffic back to the topic of Bika, but failed to do so. At this point enough was enough for team Bika.
Kevin Cunningham could not bite his tongue any longer. “What the F*** are we doing here man?? Is he fighting Bika or Kovalev?” It was then that the powers that be chose to end the call.
One thing is clear and that’s if Sakio Bika didn’t have the motivation to be in this fight he most certainly does now. Tune into CBS on April 4 from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec, Canada as Adonis Stevenson takes on Saiko Bika.
