Aussie heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana has taken an early verbal swipe at American knockout artist DeAndre Savage, joking his rival looked out of shape during the pair’s first face-off ahead of next month’s Gold Coast slobberknocker.
The heavyweights came face-to-face over video link this week to promote their August 12 main event at The Star Gold Coast, with both men bringing serious stopping power to the contest.
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While the exchange remained largely respectful, the Aussie couldn’t resist taking a jab at Savage’s appearance.
“He says this is the best camp he’s done,” said Teremoana
“But his cheeks don’t be saying that.”
The showdown comes after Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn revealed to Fox Sports Australia just how difficult it had been to secure an opponent for the rising Australian heavyweight.
Earlier this month, Hearn said he had offered several local fighters up to five times their biggest career payday, only for each of them to turn the fight down.
Now Teremoana finally has his man.
The Aussie Olympian takes an unbeaten record of 11-0 (11 KOs) into the fight, with the vast majority of those stoppages coming inside the opening round.
Savage, meanwhile, holds a 11-1 record, with all 11 of his victories coming by knockout, setting up what looks to be an explosive contest.
Despite Savage’s knockout record, Teremoana believes the American’s biggest weakness isn’t his power – it’s his fitness.
“He’s durable and I like the way he fights,” said Teremoana.
“But from what I saw when he lost against Brandon Moore he doesn’t have the fitness to go the rounds with me.
“His only chance with me is to knock me out.”
Savage, however, has no intention of letting the fight go that long.
“I don’t see this fight going the distance at all,” he said.
“I’m coming to do what I do. I’m going to knock Teremoana down.”
Asked whether his own chin would stand up to the towering Australian’s power, Savage was full of confidence.
“My chin is great,” he grinned.
“Im going to test his chin. I’m here to stay. I’m hungry.”
Savage can talk about ending the fight early all he likes, but Teremoana insists he’s done the hard work and is ready to take care of business.
“I’ll take care of whoever is put in front of me,” he said.
“I’m glad Deandre has taken the step forward to take the challenge.
“He believes he can win – yeah, every dog has its day.
“But I’ve prepared well for this and I’m prepared to take out the world title when that challenge comes.
“For now, I’m purely focused on August 12th.
“And I’ve got all the attributes to take care of Savage on that night.”
Savage fired back, insisting he doesn’t need another two weeks to prepare.
“I hope you’re ready,” he said.
“Im ready to fight tomorrow.”
Teremoana grinned.
“I’m keen to fight tomorrow too.”
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The Gold Coast showdown marks the first time the unbeaten heavyweight will headline a card – another major milestone in a career Matchroom believes is destined for world title honours.
“I’m very grateful to have my headliner,” he said.
“But obviously I’ve earned my way here. And I’ve backed it up in the ring.
“But I’m looking forward to the challenge Deandre is going to bring because he’s a knockout artist like myself.
“But whatever he brings I’m going to be ready for it.”
Also featuring on the Gold Coast card is former world title challenger Michael Zerafa, who returns in the co-main event against Venezuelan Alejandro Ortiz as he continues his push towards another crack at world honours.