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Nikola Sjekloca talks WBC title, Sakio Bika and US debut

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Montenegrin ready to challenge for green belt

Undefeated super-middleweight Nikola Sjekloca is expecting to hear from the WBC anytime now as the body gears up to rubberstamp his bid for Andre Ward’s world title belt next month.

The 34 year-old, who has a perfect 25-fight record over almost seven years as a pro, has manoeuvred himself into prime position to fight for the soon-to-be vacant title and is ready for a breakout performance against former world champion Sakio Bika.

“Our fight was scheduled as WBC eliminator fight first - now interim,” Sjekloca explained to World Boxing News.

“I know that it is not official yet. My manager Luka Popovic is waiting official confirmation from the WBC. I heard that Ward will be Emeritus Champion. He is very good boxer and I respect him a lot and my wish is to fight him as we have similar boxing style.

“We will make an announcement at a press conference in Belgrade when we receive the official confirmation from WBC.”

Fighting exclusively in Europe, Sjekloca is an unknown quantity thus far – with arguably his best win coming against former world title challenger Khoren Gevor in July 2011. Sjekloca will be looking to change that at the Boardwalk Hall next month against the dangerous former IBO title holder Bika.

“I know that US boxing fans don't know anything about me and I understand that people are talking that Bika will knock me out, that he is too strong for me,” said Sjekloca.

“I want to say several words about myself, to introduce myself to boxing people in US and around the world;

“As amateur fighter I had over 500 fights and I have fought for more than 23 years of my life. I have fought everybody; Golovkin, Bute, Andy Lee and for many years I was number one in the AIBA amateur ratings at middleweight.

“As professional, I fought the best guys in Europe; Khoren Gevor, Roberto Santos (EBU challanger), French guys Tony Averlant (ex-EBU champ) and Hadillah Mohamedi (EBU challanger). The problem is that fans in US don't know about any of them - but I have a lot of experience.

“From last year, I am a member of the Golden Boy Promotions family and I want to thank them for great help and understanding.

“The only thing that I want to say at the end is that I will give my best against Bika and I will try to become world champ. This is the fight of my life on February 16 I am going to leave my heart in the ring,” he added.

Adrien Broner v Gavin Rees for the WBC lightweight championship tops the bill in Atlantic City, with heavyweight rematch Johnathon Banks v Seth Mitchell also on the card - along with appearances by Vicente Escobedo and Demetrius Hopkins.

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