Former two-time world champion Harry ‘Okugo’ Simon says he will use former gym partner Joseph ‘Joey Vegas’ Lubega from Uganda as bait to lure American former pound-for-pound king Roy Jones Jr to a “super” showdown.
Simon announced on Thursday that he will fight Lubega for the vacant IBO and WBU light heavyweight world titles in Windhoek on 26 September.
The fight will be staged by the Harry Simon Okugo Promotions and Kinda Boxing Promotion at Ramatex.
“The plan is to get Roy Jones Jr in a super fight,” the 42 year-old former IBF International light heavyweight title holder told reporters.
Despite his nearly two-year absence from the ring, attributed to persistent medical, physical and financial shortcomings, Simon believes he can still cut it at the highest level and stretch his unbeaten streak to 30 fights.
“I’m 100% healthy. At the moment, I’m not in top shape but I can train hard and be in the best shape I need to be. I’m a professional and know what I need to do to lose weight,” Simon said.
“I’ve been given six months to make this fight happen. The WBU said we can fight from 85kg down. I need to lose 15kg,” he added.
In contrast, his immediate rival has fought seven times during Simon’s sabbatical, although his results have been woeful.
Journeyman Lubega has lost five of those fights, two by knock out – including his last fight against Russian novice Dmitry Bivol in Moscow.
The east-African’s overall record stands at 17 wins, 11 losses and two draws.
“I know him. I’ve seen him fight. He’s a good fighter. We used to train in the same gym long ago in London [in England]. I can handle him,” said Simon.
The seven-fight card also features a WBU welterweight interim title contest involving Anthony Jaarman against an unconfirmed opponent; an IBF Africa super featherweight title fight involving Abraham Ndauendapo against an unconfirmed rival; and a WBA Africa super featherweight title bout in which Albinus ‘Danny Boy’ Felesianu will face a yet to be determined opponent.
“I know all my boxers opponents but we have not signed anything yet because we still need to agree on the financial side,” the events’ co-promoter Kinda Nangolo said.
The fight will cost a projected N$3 million to stage, said Simon’s representative Anita Tjombe.
“We really want to make this fight happen. Harry wants to show his supporters and those that doubt him that he is still a top fighter,” Tjombe said.
“We don’t have the funds. We need help. I appeal to the nation to support us in this regard,” Nangolo added.
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