6/7/07 - article by Randy Benson - The Town Talk
Nichols gets first title fight July 14 in Kinder
By Randy Benson
rbenson@thetowntalk.com
(318) 487-6431
Originally posted in The Town Talk 6-29-07
Heath Nichols is reaching for a stepping stone that could take his professional boxing career to the top levels of the sport.
Nichols, an Alexandria boxer who is 5-0 as a pro, will fight for the vacant National Boxing Association junior world lightweight championship July 14 at the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.
"I was shocked when they called and offered me this," Nichols said Thursday.
The fight will be announced today at a news conference in Alexandria.
"This is a stepping stone title," said matchmaker Kerry Daigle, whose Keep Punching organization will promote the fight.
The NBA's junior world title series is for up and coming fighters, Daigle said.
"Heath only has five fights but he was once rated No. 1 in his weight class as an amateur so they decided to give him this opportunity."
Nichols is well aware it is a secondary title, but doesn't care.
"It's a championship belt," he said. "I'm going to do everything I can -- train as hard as I can -- to bring it home to Central Louisiana."
An opponent has not be announced for the fight. Daigle said negotiations are under way with three possible opponents.
"No matter who he fights, he is going to be a big underdog," Daigle said. "Heath knows this but wants to take his shot."
Nichols doesn't accept that he is underdog.
"I don't want to be an underdog and I don't think I will be," Nichols said. "I will be fighting close to home in front of my fans."
Nichols is moving down in weight class for his title bout.
All five of his pro fights have been in the junior welterweight division, which is 136 to 141 pounds. Nichols has fought once at 141 pounds, once at 136 pounds and three times at 137 pounds. This fight will be in the lightweight division, which is 131 to 135 pounds.
"I don't think he will have any problem making weight," Daigle said.
The title fight is scheduled for 10 rounds. All of Nichols' previous fights were scheduled for four rounds, although only one of them went the distance.
"I will have to pace myself a lot more," Nichols said. "With four rounds, you just go all out."
|
