Manswell signs for tough bout

KM Promotions gave details of the contest, set for October 14 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago at a press briefing on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Sanders is a former world heavyweight contender. His status has declined after a series of losses in recent years, but he is by far Manswell’s highest rated opponent and the big, strong Caribbean fighter — with a striking 100 percent knockout ratio in his 11-0 record — has declared his readiness for the challenge.

“I’ve been preparing all my life for events like these, I’ve been training, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the gym and I am well prepared,” Manswell told CMC Sport.

“Corey Sanders is known as one of the hardest hitters in boxing but I can also hit hard,” Manswell added. In his 11 wins, only two of Manswell’s opponents have gone beyond three rounds.

The six-foot-four-inch 240-pound Manswell has five first-round knockouts and he welcomes the opportunity to step up from the little-rated opponents he has been in against since turning pro in July 2004.

“This is exactly what I have been looking for, for the challenge. I am not saying my previous opponents were not a challenge but they were just not at my level, this a (real) challenge but it’s a fight that I am going to win and win in spectacular form,” Manswell said.

Sanders — on a four-fight losing streak — has a ring record of 23 wins (15 knockouts) against 10 losses.