Fiery Manny Bique promises to burn gut-less Vladimir Belujsky

Manny Bique is promising to bring the fire on Saturday night and the Dublin super middleweight has already increased the heat in the build-up to his professional debut.

The Dominican Destroyer faces Cork’s Vladimir Belujsky [0-0-1] on the big Red Corner Promotions ‘Champions Elect’ bill in an all-Irish clash with a twist.

The fight against The Slovak Rebel is perhaps the pick of the undercard bouts this weekend, and Bique is determined to make a big statement.

The Caribbean fighter sent a few early verbals the way of Belujsky at the press conference for the show. The Mitchelstown man was over in England training and Bique stated that “my opponent is not here because he knows what is coming to him. He does not have the balls – sorry – the guts to be here.”

Trained by two-time Olympian and double European bronze medalist Mick Dowling, Bique is highly rated coming into the pros.

Initially due to turn pro almost two years ago, injury and family commitments have kept him out of the ring until now – bar a brief, victorious, foray into the semi-pro scene.

The 32 year old is keen to prove the hype is real and explained how “this is the first time people will see me in the ring and it’s something that you don’t want to miss.”

“It’s my chance. I’d like to thank all the people behind the scenes for the opportunity and it’s something I’m not going to let slide by.

“On the night there will be fire in the house, so be ready, I’m going to bring something different, spicy.”

Champions Elect also features debutants Craig McCarthy and Karl Kelly, Victor Rabei, Noely Murphy, Allan Phelan, and BUI Celtic title fights for Chris Blaney and Craig O’Brien.

Tickets cost €40 (gallery) and €60 (ringside) and are available from the boxers involved.