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On Friday April 2nd, the Pride of Greece, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO) will move up in weight as he looks to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division when he challengers Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) for the USBA welterweight championship in Rodriguez's backyard at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino. The fight is scheduled for twelve rounds and will be the main event bout of the evening on that night's ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast.

Arnaoutis recently sat down to talk about his upcoming fight, why he decided to move up in weight, and where he hopes to be by the end of this year.


Q: Mighty Mike, thanks for taking time out to sit down with us, how has training been for this fight? Have you been doing anything different for this fight being you are going up in weight from jr. welter to welter? Are you more comfortable at this weight?

MA: Training and my preparation for this fight couldn't have been better. I have had 106 rounds of sparring in my training preparation for this fight and my whole training camp has been fantastic. I am also much more comfortable fighting at 147 pounds, because I don't have to starve myself anymore; I'm really glad that I listened to my team and moved to welterweight. On top of my regular training regime a strength and conditioning coach has been added to make sure I put the weight on the right way. The strength and conditioning has helped me out a lot, I feel very strong and everyone has also been telling me that I look bigger and stronger. Physically and mentally, I am in the best shape of my life, and everyone will see that come fight night in the way that I will beat Rodriguez.

Q: What do you know about your opponent Delvin Rodriguez?

MA: I have seen some of Rodriguez fights, and what I saw was a brawler trapped in a tall mans body and that makes him a perfect guy for me to fight. I have nothing against Rodriguez, but all I am thinking about is that he has what I want and when I get in that ring I will be ready for war and I am going to destroy him.

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Q: You are fighting at the Mohegan Sun which is right in Delvin's backyard, does that bother you at all?

MA: No it doesn't bother me. I have fought everywhere throughout my career. My backyard, his backyard, it doesn't make a difference, once the bell rings it's just me and him in the ring, his fans can't help him because like I said I will destroy him. I also want Rodriguez and all of his fans to know that someone in this fight is going to get brutally knocked out and that person is not going to be me. Plus you can definitely count on seeing more than a few Greek flags waving and Greek fans screaming for me come fight night.

Q: Not looking past Delvin, but if you win, what do you see on the horizon?

MA: Right now the only thing I am thinking about is the execution of Rodriguez. I want that USBA championship and the world ranking, and after everyone see's me destroy Rodriguez, everyone in the welterweight division will know that "Mighty" Mike is here and here to stay. After I beat Rodriguez my managers will decide who I will fight next, but honestly I know that I match up with any of the top guys in the division, so whoever steps up to the plate first, that's who we will fight in 2010.

Q: Want to thank you Mike for sitting down with us. Anything you want to say in closing?

MA: I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing) for staging this fight. I want to thank my team of managers, Jimmy "Zeek" Hartofilis, and Mike Michaels for giving me everything I have asked for and for making this fight happen. Lastly I want to thank all my fans who continue to show their support and who will be there cheering me on April 2nd, I won't disappoint.




Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The first live televised bout will go on air at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.


Photo's by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten