The undercard of the IBF cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Claudio Squeo on May 13 has been enhanced by the addition of Max McIntyre-Ricaia Warren and Danny Keating-Blake Minto.
Australia’s leading fighter makes a second successive title defence at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in the Gold Coast, Australia, where in January he stopped New Zealand’s David Nyika.
It is hoped that should he defeat Squeo he will next fight Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez of Mexico, but before he and the Italian make their ways to the ring, New Zealand’s Warren and McIntyre, 20, will have fought at super middleweight.
“I’m looking forward to another blistering performance,” said McIntyre, of Australia. “I’m training hard and I can’t wait to get in there again.”
Warren, 27, said: “It’s a huge opportunity to be fighting on such a prestigious card. I plan on going back to New Zealand with my undefeated record intact.”
“It’s a great fight over eight rounds between the best young talent Australia and New Zealand has to offer,” said Tasman Fighters’ Mick Francis.
Ireland’s Keating and Minto, also of Australia, will fight at welterweight, and the 27-year-old Keating said: “This is a huge opportunity, and I’m ready to take it with both hands.”
“I won’t give up this belt lightly – the WBC Australasian title is coming home with me,” said Minto, 32.
“Danny brings a very vocal crowd with him and is perhaps the best-kept secret in Aussie boxing,” Francis added. “Blake is incredibly tough and jumped at the chance when offered this fight.”
