Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Phil ‘The Italian Sensation’ Lo Greco was put in the precarious position of a first round knockdown in his previous fight and although he came back to win, has told WBN that he needs bigger fights in the future.
The 28 year-old, who improved his record to 25-0 by eventually stopping Daniel Sostre in seven rounds, is hoping that a huge bout against a ranked-name fighter will stave off his hunger for an immediate title shot.
“Sostre was a good opponent, better then his record, but now I need big fights where I can get motivated,” Lo Greco told World Boxing News. “I just got the job done and was worrying for bigger fights that's all.
“I'm in the top 15 with the WBC, WBA and WBO so my chances are good and I hope to get that chance very soon, maybe even at the Barclay’s Center.”
Two dates are currently booked in on the Golden Boy calender that could give Lo Greco the opportunity as Danny Garcia and Zab Judah battle for the 140lb crown on February 9 and former middleweight king Bernard Hopkins makes his return there on March 9.
The Canadian isn’t too fussed about who he faces, more of the calibre of opponent and could be open to a clash with one-time world title challenger Dmitriy Salita, who has been calling out Lo Greco’s friend Paulie Malignaggi for a bout at the venue.
“Ideally, I'd like to fight who ever the fans want me to see fight, but from what I hear, Salita wants a shot at Paulie without even earning it. He’s not even ranked among any of the bodies and if I get put forward to fight him, I would gladly show him he is not world title level once again.
"I’d rather fight top-ranked fighters now where the winner gets a shot a bigger things and I am not sure whether Paulie is looking at fighting him anyway.
“I know Paulie has other options since the Hatton fight fell through, but I just wish Ricky would have taken his time with the comeback so they could have fought again, although I do wish him all the best.
“I know I'm ready for that next level and I can't wait for the bigger challenges - that's what I been waiting for, its my time now.
”I’d just like to thank all my people for there support and I can't wait to give my fans more thrilling fights as next year is my year. I want to fight the best. That's what will get me up in the morning with excitement and I know Golden Boy will present me with the opportunity,” he concluded.
WBN Editor
Welterweight contender eyeing further step-up
Phil ‘The Italian Sensation’ Lo Greco was put in the precarious position of a first round knockdown in his previous fight and although he came back to win, has told WBN that he needs bigger fights in the future.
The 28 year-old, who improved his record to 25-0 by eventually stopping Daniel Sostre in seven rounds, is hoping that a huge bout against a ranked-name fighter will stave off his hunger for an immediate title shot.
“Sostre was a good opponent, better then his record, but now I need big fights where I can get motivated,” Lo Greco told World Boxing News. “I just got the job done and was worrying for bigger fights that's all.
“I'm in the top 15 with the WBC, WBA and WBO so my chances are good and I hope to get that chance very soon, maybe even at the Barclay’s Center.”
Two dates are currently booked in on the Golden Boy calender that could give Lo Greco the opportunity as Danny Garcia and Zab Judah battle for the 140lb crown on February 9 and former middleweight king Bernard Hopkins makes his return there on March 9.
The Canadian isn’t too fussed about who he faces, more of the calibre of opponent and could be open to a clash with one-time world title challenger Dmitriy Salita, who has been calling out Lo Greco’s friend Paulie Malignaggi for a bout at the venue.
“Ideally, I'd like to fight who ever the fans want me to see fight, but from what I hear, Salita wants a shot at Paulie without even earning it. He’s not even ranked among any of the bodies and if I get put forward to fight him, I would gladly show him he is not world title level once again.
"I’d rather fight top-ranked fighters now where the winner gets a shot a bigger things and I am not sure whether Paulie is looking at fighting him anyway.
“I know Paulie has other options since the Hatton fight fell through, but I just wish Ricky would have taken his time with the comeback so they could have fought again, although I do wish him all the best.
“I know I'm ready for that next level and I can't wait for the bigger challenges - that's what I been waiting for, its my time now.
”I’d just like to thank all my people for there support and I can't wait to give my fans more thrilling fights as next year is my year. I want to fight the best. That's what will get me up in the morning with excitement and I know Golden Boy will present me with the opportunity,” he concluded.