Featherweight Bruce Carrington is not underestimating Sulaiman Segawa ahead of his televised fight on Friday, which is part of the ESPN card from Madison Square Garden Theater.
Carrington will face Segawa in a 10-round bout, marking his fourth scheduled 10-round fight. The 27-year-old New York native Carrington, who trains in Las Vegas, has finished all three of his previous 10-round contests before the final bell.
Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) enters the fight on a three-bout knockout streak. His opponent, the 33-year-old Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs), is riding the momentum of a career-defining win over Ruben Villa, a highly ranked WBC contender and accomplished amateur.
“You know I’m always fired up,” Carrington said. “We’re here in my hometown, and it’s always going to be a great show whenever ‘Shu Shu’ steps in the ring. I’m just ready to perform.”
Carrington praised Segawa’s unorthodox style, noting that his opponent brings something different to the table.
“His fighting style is very interesting,” Carrington said. “I noticed certain things that he brings to the table that’s different from your average boxer. That is going to make for an exciting fight come this Friday.”
Segawa, meanwhile, comes into the contest as something of an enigma. Fresh off his win over Villa, he previously suffered a loss to Mirco Cuello. Now sporting the nickname “The Underdawg,” Segawa acknowledged his role as the B-side in many of his matchups but remained confident even while fighting Carrington in his hometown.
“I just need to come and show him what I got,” Segawa said. “It’s as simple as that. That’s what the underdog does.”
Carrington made it clear he is fully focused on Segawa despite the homecoming atmosphere surrounding the fight as well as the praise of his skillset. Carrington is perceived as a future world titleholder and top prospect currently.
“I want him to understand that I’m completely focused on this fight,” Carrington said. “Come Friday, just be ready.”