Date: Friday, November 8th, 1996
Reporter: Marc Youngblood

LAS VEGAS - Friday. When it comes to boxing, there is a belief that the fight can be won before the fighters enter the ring, due to the fighter who has trained the hardest. Judging from the intensity of both WBO Heavyweight Champion Henry Akinwande and challenger Alexander Zolkin's training regimens, these two fighters are taking their training seriously in the quest to be victorious this Saturday night. At six foot seven, Akinwande brings a history making eighty two inch reach to the ring which provides him with a jab that can be used to score or keep the aggressive Russian southpaw at bay.

Zolkin knows that he must penetrate Akinwande's defenses and put his devastating punching power to work. Both men are not taking each other their lightly as they prepare to do battle because they know that the path to championship is through vigorous training.

Martin

Boxing promoter Don King held a press conference to officially announce Saturday night's fight card. Female boxing sensation Christy Martin and her opponent Bethany "Foxy Brown" Payne took the opportunity to state their fight night intentions for each other.

Payne

THE EXCITEMENT AND TENSION BUILDS!