By James Blears

Sergio "Yeyo" Thompson used his powers of persuasion to convince WBC Super Featherweight Takashi Miura to loosen his iron grip on the green and gold belt, so he could get his hands of it for a moment or so, before handing it back.



Thompson plans to capture that belt on an appreciably more permanent basis, when he and the icy calm Japanese southpaw lock horns at the Plaza de Toros in downtown Cancun on Saturday night.



Almost on cue last night and this morning, the heavens opened over Cancun, not sparing it with rods of rain, lashing it with almost hurricane, or typhoon intensity, as an overture of the ring finale to come.



Both men are known as knockout artists. Sergio has brushed 29 opponents aside, while Takashi has stopped nineteen, including Sergio's countryman Gamaliel Diaz, to become Champion.



Sporting a shades of gray shirt and dark sun glasses, at the press conference in the Grand Oasis Hotel in Cancun, Sergio said he's been working on defence, head movement and technique alongside Abner Mares in LA. He stressed his going to use his power while slipping Miura's vaunted left and any clash of heads.

He vowed: "This is the sum of seven years of dreams, sheer hard work and sweat. I feel no pressure, and I'm looking forward to Saturday night. I want to thank the people of Quintana Roo State, who've been fantastic in their support. I'm going to be the new champìon!"



At the presser, Takashi Miura appeared calm, confident and almost impassive. He stressed that both he and Sergio Thompson like to fight and that's what it'll be! He also vowed he's going to win, and it'll be by knockout.



Promoter Pepe Gomez who's brought Miura all the way to Cancun stressed that for some time now Yeyo's attitude has been that of a champion, reflected in his training, strictly sticking to diet and the way he conducts himself. He said all Sergio's preparations have been perfect and now even the weather is whipping up!