A weight cut before a fight is the most common of regiments taken by fighters in prepartion for the clash. The importance of the latest weight cut for Abraham Han, who made weight yesterday for tonight’s ESPN Friday Night Fights contest against undefeated Glen Tapia, was the most meaningful of his career.
“I decided with Louie to take a risk and a chance,” says Han who is not talking about his undefeated record, he’s referring to his health.
A year ago Han first told us that he was making his way up from light middleweight to middleweight on the advice of doctors who diagnosed him with high blood pressure and told him that fighting at 154lbs was not ideal.
“The opportunity presented itself at 154,” says Han who has taken a very careful weight cut back to light middleweight. “I feel bigger than I was at (160). To be honest I’ve worked out so much harder. I feel like I have more power. I feel like I’m a stronger puncher.”
The punching power is something he will definitely need tonight in his nationally televised co-main event match against fellow Top Rank fighter Tapia (18-0) of New Jersey.
“We fought together on a couple of cards,” says the El Pasoan. “He’s a very good fighter; he breaks his opponents down. He’s like a mirror image. Whoever executes their plan will win this fight.”
This will be first time Han is showcased on a co-main event of a nationally broadcasted card. While others care not to admit that the spotlight has gotten to them Han, admits it has affected him.
“I am nevous. There’s a lot of pressure because I’ve never been televised theres not a lot of people putting storries out there about me,” he says.
Despite being on the Top Rank roster for a little more than a couple years now, the organization has been reluctant to showcase Han until.
“It’s a make or break fight for me. I have to leave it all on the line, I have to make a big statement. I have to show Top Rank what I’m made of,” he continues.
“I dont know if they have a lot of confidence in me, I have to show them that I’m a mean guy.” The usually humble and reserved Han will have to put aside the Bruce Banner and unleash the Hulk if both his promotion and the boxing world are to take notice.
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Details-
Main Event: Chris Avalos Drian Francisco
Co-Main Event: Abraham Han vs. Glen Tapia
Date: LIVE tonight on ESPN2 at 8pm MT
