Lenny's overseas mission to zap Mexican (Taken from today's 'Daily Telegraph' - http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-to-zap-mexican/story-e6freygr-1226006580263) IT'S a sweaty 35C inside and tattered boxing posters line the walls of the backyard garage that doubles as the training gym for one of Australia's brightest fighting talents. Lenny Zappavigna is used to modest surroundings but there are signs of a golden future emerging from this makeshift training HQ, with the western Sydney boxer set to fly to the US today for a March 12 IBF lightweight title showdown with Mexico's Miguel Vasquez. Too many times the "next big thing" tag is tossed around in boxing. But many good judges use the term to describe this 23-year-old slugger of Italian heritage. Zappavigna has built an imposing 25-0 record and turned heads when he demolished Korean Ji Hoon Kim in the IBF title eliminator at Homebush last October. Somewhat understandably, his stoush was overshadowed by the appearance of glamorous former water ski champ Lauryn Eagle on the undercard. Zappavigna took the publicity snub on the chin. His trainer Tommy Mercuri believes Zappavigna doesn't need any gimmicks - adamant that the young man's ability will make him a star. After his last bout, an excited Mercuri said: "A lot of people in the US told us we were silly for taking the last fight, that the Korean was too good - but I'll tell you now, no lightweight in the world will beat Lenny. He will unify every lightweight division there is." And so the first real big step will be taken by Zappavigna in the coming weeks. He knows only a victory will earn him the proper recognition he deserves."I believe once I win this title and win it well, I think it will open up a lot of doors and people's eyes," Zappavigna said. "Since I beat the Korean a lot of doors have opened up. For boxers it can be hard. If you're not on TV much it can be really hard. At the end of the day you need world title belts to get recognised." One of three kids, Zappavigna won bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne before he turned professional. Now he's ready for his chance at glory. "I will give this my all - he's a real boxer and might be difficult to get to. But I believe if I can catch him early I will hurt him. If I don't, he's in for a brutal 12 rounds." This content is protected Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Hard to ignore the Ji Hoon Kim fight as a form guide. I think Zappa will be too strong for Vasquez. Lenny by KO.
so far he has been a credit to himself and team. he seems a very confident kid without being a lair. he will gain fans quite easily if he keeps winning. most fans will love the way he fights.
overshadowed by the appearance of glamorous former water ski champ Lauryn Eagle - bollocks! Go Lenny!
