I'm excited about this bout, too...
BR's Etienne sees chance for exposure
By RODNEY MALLETT ,Advocate staff writer
It’s not the main event, but Baton Rouge heavyweight Clifford "Black Rhino" Etienne will feel the spotlight when he faces former Olympian and unbeaten Lawrence Clay-Bey on Saturday night’s undercard for the heavyweight championship.
Most people purchasing the pay-per-view event are hyped to watch champion Lennox Lewis battle No. 1 contender David Tua. The program beings at 8 p.m. and there will be two fights before Etienne’s.
But Etienne (18-0, 13 KOs) said he sees this as an opportunity to show the viewers nationwide he should be fighting for the title.
"It’s not really that exciting (to be on the undercard)," Etienne said. "I mean, I’m looking forward to it, definitely. I know it’s a big fight and everybody that’s anybody will be watching.
"Hopefully the people will be saying I should be fighting for the title someday. But it’s just another important fight for me."
Clay-Bey (12-0, 9 KOs) was the captain of the 1996 Olympic team and has shown plenty of talent during his pro career. However, it’s a career that has been marred with injuries.
First he injured his left hand. Then, just as he was about to fight Chris Byrd for the NABF title, an eye test showed the had torn retina in one eye and holes in the other.
Clay-Bey had laser surgery, has been cleared to resume his career and has picked up where he left off -- showing plenty of boxing skills. In his last fight in September, he stopped Mike Williams (22-6, 14 KOs) in the sixth round.
"He’s got good reflexes and sharp punches," Etienne said of his opponent. "I think he’s a notch above Lamon Brewster. He (Clay-Bey) is probably the best skilled fighter I’ve ever fought."
Etienne convincingly beat the highly touted Brewster on HBO’s KO Nation and that win propelled him into the WBC Top 10.
Clay-Bey is known as a finely skilled boxing technician and a great counter puncher, with plenty of speed. Although a knock against him has been a lack of power, his nine knockouts show he has heavyweight power.
But Etienne said he doesn’t plan on changing his style.
"I’m going to do my thing," Etienne said. "If I have to make an adjustment, I’ll make it with no problem. There will be some additives, but you’ll see the same exciting stuff -- and a win."
Etienne has his sights on Clay-Bey and isn’t thinking about the main event too much. He said he may try to watch it there or he’ll watch in on tape. But, he did give a prediction.
"Lennox will win," he said. |
