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Mundine: I'd fight Geale but I'd prefer Green

5th March, 2012
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Roar Guru
5th March, 2012
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2853 Reads

Anthony Mundine is open to fighting IBF middleweight champion Daniel Geale but would prefer a rematch with long-time rival Danny Green.

Mundine fought Geale in May 2009 and defeated him in a somewhat controversial split decision. That is the only professional loss Geale, who defends his title against Osumanu Adama this Wednesday, has suffered in his career as he has a record of 26 wins from 27 fights.

Mundine defeated Green back in May 2006 in a unanimous decision. The fight, which had been built up for years, was held in front of an Australian record size attendance crowd.

“I made Daniel Geale’s career,” Mundine said. “I made Danny Green’s career.”

Mundine said he is “open” to the idea of another bout with Geale.

“He wants the redemption, where I want to show it was no fluke,” he said.

“But it comes down to the numbers and getting the right deal. But I’d prefer Green…. Green wants it. If I was to fight Green and Geale, I’d prefer to fight Green first.”

Since their first fight in 2006 Green has gone up the weight divisions, fighting at light heavyweight and cruiserweight. For his last fight against Krzysztof Wlodarczy in November 2011, Green weighed 89.5kg.

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Mundine has gone the other way, dropping down divisions with his last fight against Rigoberto Alvarez at light middleweight where he weighed 69.6kg. He said there would have to be some common ground for a Green bout to happen.

“I wouldn’t come over 75 kg,” Mundine said.

Green has been beaten in his last two fights, against Wlodarczy and Antonio Tarver, and is reportedly contemplating retirement.

“Green fought the best in his division,” Mundine said. “They’re big boys.”

Mundine said a Green rematch is what most people come up to him and ask him about in the street.

“I want to give the people what they want to see,” he said.

However, for now the 36-year old is setting his sights on fighting in the US.

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“The first thing is to go abroad,” he said.

“I want to branch out in America. The last three, four years of my career I want to fight the best. I want names. Fighters who are going to make me money. But the money doesn’t drive me, the success does.”

Despite both Mundine and Austin Trout being classified as WBA light middleweight champions, a bout with Trout seems unlikely at this stage. Possible opponents include WBA super champion Miguel Cotto, WBC junior middleweight champion Saul Alvarez (younger brother of his last opponent Rigoberto) and WBC middleweight titleholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Twenty-six year old Chavez Jr is the son of a legendary fighter, his namesake, and is undefeated from 47 fights. The talented Mexican seems to be Mundine’s preference.

“I’m in line for Chavez Jr,” Mundine said.

“I’m ready to fight him. I’m waiting on a call. He’s the best young champion out there.”

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