BRAUNSCHWEIG, Germany, CMC:
JAMAICA'S RICHARD Hall refused Tuesday to shake hands with the undefeated champion Dariusz Michal-czewski ahead of their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) light heavyweight title fight on Saturday.
Challenger Hall, beaten in 11 rounds by Michalczewski last December, refused a hand-shake with the champion at a press conference for their rematch on Saturday.
"I am not here to shake hands," said the 30-year-old Hall in a fightnews web site report. "I am here to capture the title. I['ll return as a world champion back to the US, otherwise I'd rather die in the ring," said Hall, who has an outstanding ring record of 25 wins with 24 knockouts, against three losses.
Michalczewski said he has a lot of respect for Hall, who he says 'could end the fight with one good punch'.
Michalczewski, who has won all 46 of his fights, 36 by knockout, was awarded victory in the 11th round of their contest nine months ago when a ghastly swelling over Hall's eye prevented him from continuing.
Hall, who had won an interim World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight title in 1998 when he defeated Anthony Bigeni, is having his third shot at a world title.
