Jamaica's Nicholas Walters Vows To 'Destroy' Colombia's Miguel Marriaga In WBA Title Bout

Boxer Nicholas Walters promised to “destroy” opponent Miguel Marriaga when they face each other Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Walters, from Jamaica, and Marriaga, from Colombia, will battle for the World Boxing Association super world featherweight title, which Walters won against Nonito Donaire of the Philippines on Oct. 18. Walters initially won the featherweight belt against Daulis Prescott, also of Colombia, in 2012.

"Marriaga may have beaten me in the amateurs but I do not remember it. Besides, those fights are four rounds. On Saturday we will be fighting 12 rounds. He may be bringing his 'A game' but I am bringing my 'A-plus game.' I have trained for a knockout victory. I am going to destroy him,” Walters said in an official news release.

Marriaga, who owns the bragging rights of beating Walters during their amateur careers, said has the ring smarts to beat Walters again at the professional level. "I have the strength and the intelligence to beat him. I will use my strength and intelligence to beat him,” Marriaga said. "After I beat Walters again on Saturday I look forward to unifying the titles in my next fight."

Walters, who is rated Ring Magazine’s No. 1 featherweight, is undefeated in 25 pro fights, with 21 victories coming by knockout. The 29-year-old Jamaican has won his last five bouts and 11 of last 12 fights via KO. Like Walters, Marriaga is also undefeated in the pros in 20 bouts, 18 from knockouts.

The Colombian won the World Boxing Council Continental Americas featherweight title in 2013 and will get his first shot at a world title in Saturday’s bout.