Fletcher to seek world boxing title in NY

Australia's Jarrod Fletcher aims to end a fairytale in New York when he takes on cancer survivor Daniel Jacobs for the vacant WBA middleweight title.

Australian boxer Jarrod Fletcher knows it may seem like he's fighting the whole of Brooklyn when he seeks his first world title in New York.

The 2008 Olympian meets American Daniel Jacobs for the vacant WBA middleweight championship at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on August 9.

Brooklyn born and based, Jacobs has racked up five knockout wins since returning from a 19-month layoff to fight cancer.

"I know that the hometown crowd will be in Jacob's corner, but that's fine," said Fletcher, who is on a six-fight winning streak of his own.

"I intend on having my hand raised."

Fletcher's 18-1 record includes 10 knockouts, compared to Jacobs' 27-1 with 24 knockouts.

"This whole comeback has been a dream so far, and what better way to keep it going than with a world title fight?" Jacobs said.

"This is the fight I've been waiting for and no one will keep me from that belt."

Undefeated Danny Garcia and rival world champion Lamont Peterson will defend their light-welterweight crowns on the top of the card.

WBC and WBA champion Garcia, 28-0 with 16 knockouts, will face fellow American Rod Salka, 19-3 with three knockouts.

"I'll be ready," Garcia said.

"I'll give my fans another great show."

Peterson, 32-2 with one drawn and 16 knockouts, defends the IBF version of the crown against US compatriot and hometown hero Edgar Santana, 29-4 with 20 knockouts.

As much as Peterson and Garcia are out to keep their crowns, they figure to set the stage for a future showdown for the undisputed world championship.

"I'm really excited about this fight and about making a statement to the boxing world that I'm the true junior welterweight world champion," Peterson said.

"I know Danny will be watching me and I'll be watching him. After August 9, there will be only one fight to make at 140 pounds."


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