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Cedric "L.O.W." Agnew -- it stands for "Leader of War" -- is facing enormous odds on Saturday night, when he makes his HBO debut against WBO light heavyweight titleholder Sergey Kovalev, but the 27-year-old fighter from Houston by way of Chicago says that upsets happen in boxing, and he's ready to put his name down alongside Buster Douglas.
From a Fight News interview with Sam Geraci:
"You're gonna always have your naysayers out there who don't know too much about one person but know one thing about the other person so they are gonna choose the other person. When Buster Douglas fought Tyson, there wasn't too much known about Buster Douglas, and we all know what happened. It's gonna happen again."
Agnew (26-0, 13 KO) is a fighter who has received no hype, no big promotional push, no TV support, but he has some supporters out there who know more about him than, frankly, the vast majority of the fans or media do, because they've worked with him and seen him fight.
One supporter is Chicago trainer Sam Colonna, who told Chris Gunzz he won't be surprised if Agnew pulls the upset:
"I definitely know about him, because I used to train him. He was a hell of an amateur. He's a well-kept secret. Don't be surprised if he gives you an upset this weekend. The guy can fight! The guy can fight. Pound-for-pound, he's probably got the best skills in boxing, next to Mayweather. ... This kid's got beautiful skills. His timing is right on the money. He's got fast hands for a light heavyweight, and he can punch."
Does Agnew have it in him to pull off the big upset tomorrow night? Is this a fighter that has just flown way under the radar, when he has the world class talent? He has his chance on Saturday.