Veteran Danny Green says he’s returning to the boxing ring older and wiser as he lines up for his first bout in almost three years.
The 42-year-old will take on Argentina’s Roberto “The Beast” Bolonti on Wednesday night, at Hisense Arena – the same venue where he had his last fight back in 2012.
Green dismisses talk that it’s a comeback because he says he never retired after that win over Shane Cameron, but with an eye on a rematch with old foe Anthony Mundine next year, it’s a case of now or never.
He says he’s had to adjust his style in his return and now fights smarter.
“I’m not a young man anymore but I feel great,” Green said.
“I’ve always been a fairly accurate puncher but I’ve got to pick my punches and rely on my accuracy and timing a lot more.”
He has been sparring with some of the young fighters on his undercard.
“They’re keeping me on my toes,” Green said.
“It’s difficult to go as hard as I used to but my mental state is positive.”
The West Australian was due to fight Tamas Kovacs but the Slovakian had to withdraw with a neck injury, with Bolonti, who is coming off a second round knockout last month drafted in.
Bolonti, 36, is a more a fighter than a boxer and has not been stopped in any of his 39 bouts (36 wins).
Two of those losses came against top British Light Heavyweight Tony Bellew and powerful German Juergen Braehmar for this WBA Light Heavyweight world title – losing both over the slog of 12 rounds.
Green says his new opponent is even more dangerous than Kovacs.
“This guy’s been the distance with very good fighter, renowned world champions and he won his last fight by second round knock out,” Green said.
“He’s dangerous, awkward, he’s a guy who throws punches from all angles.”
Bolonti said he’d struggled with the long travel time from Argentina but now felt ready to take on Green.
“It took us one day and a half to come here and there’s a huge time difference and it cost us but I’m in good shape,” Bolonti said.
“Danny is a well-known boxer and has fought other well-known boxers so we’re going to have a great show.”
RBBAnonymous
Guest
I have no idea how a Mundine vs Green fight will ever occur. They are in totally different weight classes now, Mundine operates at either Jnr Middleweight or Middleweight while Green is fighting as a cruiserweight. No one wants to see the fight despite the promoters trying to spruik it. Its nonsensical.