Garth Wood took Anthony Mundine on a nostalgic journey before their middleweight fight, as he reminded the two-time world champion about his sole career knockout “that day in Germany.”
On December 1, 2001, Mundine was knocked down by German Sven Ottke with a punch to the side of his head in the 10th round during their IBF super middleweight title match.
Wood, previously a South Sydney NRL fullback who weighed in at 73kg on Tuesday, had little to convey to Mundine other than recalling his most humiliating defeat and suggesting he could face a similar fate on Wednesday.
“I feel awesome. Strong, focused,” Wood expressed.
“Just one more thing. Remember that day in Germany with Ottke?”
“That’s all I’m saying.”
“If anyone wants to test their chin, the facts speak for themselves.”
“The facts are there, brother, that’s all I’m saying.”
Wednesday’s middleweight bout at Sydney’s Acer Arena will be the lightest weight Wood has ever competed at, having earlier triumphed in The Contender television series at super middleweight.
Mundine, who boasts 43 fights compared to Wood’s 11, remained unfazed by his rival’s remarks, asserting that if anyone is to hit the canvas, it will be Wood.
“Many have come, many have tried,” the 35-year-old Mundine stated in response to Wood’s claims.
“I was a young kid just like he is in my 10th fight.”
“So this time, he’s in the deep water, not me.”
“I’m just going to prove it again; I’m the best, and I’m on a different level.”
‘The Man’, full of his characteristic confidence, after weighing in slightly lighter at 72.9kg, mentioned he’s “expecting everything,” but above all, he’s preparing for a rough fight.
“Everyone knows I can box; everyone knows I can fight, but I may have to bring an extra kit tomorrow. I might need to bring my wrestling kit.”
“Because he’s no boxer, he’s no fighter; he’s a wrestler.”
“He’s not entertaining to watch; I aim to give the fans a show, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
