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From his amateur days as a reckless warrior (and winner of three Chicago
Golden Gloves titles) through his first 13 professional fights, Oshana
understands that flash and finesse is better left to the boxers of the
world.
"I hate boring fights," Oshana said. "I go in there to take care of business.
I like to give the people a good show that's why they like to watch me
. People like my style. It's aggressive; banging, banging and more banging."
Oshana goes for his first professional title tonight when he challenges
Patrick Swan for the Illinois Super Middleweight Championship. As far as
Swan's track record and reputation, Oshana said he could careless. "I don't
know anything about him and it doesn't matter to me as long as I do my
work, "Oshana said. "I just go in there and fight,fight, fight. I put the
pressure on and that kills anybody." Oshana, who's never been past six
rounds, said he's been training diligently and a distance fight (10 rounds)
won't be a problem. "I'm ready. I train every day except Sunday," Oshana
said. "I'm prepared, I've been going 12, 13 14 rounds with three or four
different people.
"I'm a little nervous because it's a state title but I want one of those
belts. I want to be world champion but a state title would be nice right
now." Oshana needed sixty seconds to destroy Rick Jester in November 1996.
A left hook to the head in the first few seconds staggered the Detroit
veteran and Oshana toasted him without taking a punch. "I hit him hard
and knew he was hurt and I had to finish him," Oshana said. A native of
Syria, Oshana believe that 1997 will be the year his brand of brains and
brawling starts attraction some national attention. Oshana realizes he
has a lot to learn but his confidence and enthusiasm have already paid
dividends.
"My manager (Bob O'Donnell) said the iron is getting hot and it's time
for me to move up," Oshana said. "I'm stronger, better conditioned and
use my head more in the ring." "I'm moving my head a lot more than before,
using my jab and it's working." Swan will be the test partner. "He's in
my way and I have to take care of business," Oshana said. "I don't see
it going 10. If he's going to box me, it might go six or seven but I don't
think it's going to go 10. I don't care what he does." The following is
an interview with Anwar Oshana after his second professional title, IBF-regional
super middleweight championship (fight # 15).
"Oshana grateful for fans"
BY
DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN
Chicago
Sun-times
April
10, 1997
page
81 - Sport
Anwar Oshana had all this going for him as he entered the ring Wednesday
to box Bruce Rumbolz at the Inland Exposition Center in Westmont : two
capable fists, a large and vocal contingent of Syrian immigrants in the
audience and a truckload of confidence. "I can become a world champion,
that's how good I can be," Oshana said. "I can be as good as I want to
be."
In a battle of unbeaten super middleweights, Oshana (15-0) and Rumbolz
(17-0-1) squared off for the International Boxing Federations Great Lakes
Region championship. Rumbolz, 23, is from Sterling, Ill. Oshana, 23, is
a Chicagoan who trains out of the Windy City Gym. Though heralded as one
who can dish out and withstand punishment, Oshana appreciated his large
following, considering Tumbolzs reputation as a puncher.
"It will mean a lot to me." Said Oshana, who predicted a victory before
the fight. "It will put more pressure on me, especially in the later rounds
when you need that extra push." With a chance to qualify for an IBF Intercontinental
title fight one step before a possible world championship bout-Oshana and
Rumbolz recognized the fight as the biggest of their careers. But Oshana
also fought for the sheer love of boxing. "I love it," Oshana said. "The
training, the conditioning, the fighting, you name it. When I fight, that's
the best part." |
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