Duluth, MN lightheavyweight Zach "Jungleboy" Walters (21-2) is set to face his most experienced opponent to date this Saturday in Superior, WI. Walters will face former WBA Junior Middleweight champion and current light heavyweight Carl Daniels (50-11). It was revealed last week that his original opponent Marlon Hayes had pulled out and that the crafty southpaw Daniels would be stepping in.

One would think that the change in opponent so close to fight time would cause concern for Walters. However, the hard-hitting fighter seems confident as the fight fast approaches, stating that his new foe will not mess up his game plan.

"I feel solid about my preparation for this fight. I have had a great training camp regardless of Daniels being a lefty" said Walters. " All the hard physical work is done. I am ready to fight ten rounds with whoever is in front of me. The only changes that result from this are minor strategic differences."

Minnesota boxing fans last saw Daniels knock out Minnesota light heavyweight Fred Moore (30-8) in six rounds this past December in Hinckley, MN.
Daniels has consistently showed his durability against the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Jaidon Codrington, Chad Dawson and many others through out his recent ring appearances. Likewise, Daniels has also consistently come up on the losing end of most of those fights but this will be a huge gauge to see where Walters stands with the elite names that Daniels has faced.

At stake this Saturday will be the WBC-ABU Light Heavyweight Title. At first glance you might ask why a fighter residing in Duluth, MN (Walters) and another from Saint Louis, Missouri (Daniels) would be fighting for an Afican Boxing Union title. Walters says he spent his younger years living in Madagascar, an island off the east coast of Africa.

"My team was able to secure a fight for the African title through my living in Madagascar for 11 years as a
missionary kid" said the 27 year old Walters. "Ever since I left the island I wanted to go back somehow. This fight is a big step in that direction. The big picture for this fight is to win the title, defend it in Africa a few times, then win a world title, and make my first defense of the world title in Madagascar.
I plan on taking the title home with me on fight night. This is the most important fight in my career right now and I am ready to do what ever it takes to win. Basically, I'm going to box smart and listen to my corner. The rest is minor.

Walters added that he is very thankful for the fan support he has received in Minnesota and the Twin Ports area (Duluth and Superior). Fans typically pack arena's for his fights.

" I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to fight for the WBC-ABU Title with out them. It is a real blessing to be able to share my career with those that have backed me from the start."

Zach Walters vs. Carl Daniels, for the WBC-ABU Light Heavyweight Title will headline “Superior Jungle Rumble 3” on February 23rd from the Mortorelli Gym in Superior, WI. The co-main event will feature St. Paul’s Phil Williams battling Mike Word. Horton’s Gym fighters RJ Lasse and Gary Eyer will also be featured. Tickets for this event can be purchased at Fon-du-luth Casino, Benna Ford of Superior, and Sir Benedicts on the Lake, Italian Village of West Duluth and at Hortonsgym.com. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for this fight with the first bout scheduled for 6:00 p.m.