On Friday night’s Glory 23 card, the Glory Welterweight title will be on the line as Nieky Holzken takes on Raymond Daniels. Unfortunately, the man who last wore that belt won’t be in the ring. Joseph Valtellini won the Glory Welterweight title last summer, but an injury suffered in that fight has kept him out of action ever since, forcing him to vacate the title recently and prompting this fight to crown a new champion. Now, with the title on the line, Valtellini will instead be ringside, joining the commentary team of Mauro Ranallo and Stephen Quadros in the booth for the main event.
In anticipation of Glory 23, I caught up with Bazooka Joe to get his thoughts on the fight and what the future holds for him.
On Holzken vs. Daniels:
Nieky and Daniels is going to be exciting. Not going to lie, it’s going to hurt to watch because obviously I want to be in there defending against Nieky. Of course, anything can happen in Glory but I think Nieky is going to take this one by TKO in round 3. He just has to stick to his game, use his technique and not get cocky because Daniels can hit you when you let your guard down.
If Daniels wants to have a chance, he has to blitz and not let Nieky get into a groove or else it’s going to be over quick. If he gives Nieky too much respect, we’ll all be catching the early cabs to the afterparty. Daniels has to come out fighting from the opening bell and not take a knee every time he takes a shot. This is for the title, leave it out there and keep coming no matter what gets thrown at you.
On joining the commentary team:
I’m really excited to be commentating for Glory 23. I love this sport and have a deep knowledge and so much to share. I’m really happy that Glory has given me this opportunity. I’m excited to educate and entertain fans and give them a deeper understanding of what it takes to get in the ring and really give them an appreciation of these amazing athletes. Be warned though, I will not be holding back my opinions!
On his health and any timeline for a return to the ring:
I’ve taken some time off and did some traveling this summer. No real change to report in my health. I’m being reevaluated in the fall and hoping for some good news, but it’s out of my hands.
Hear Valtellini call the action at Glory 23 this Friday, August 7, live on Spike. Bloody Elbow will have live fight night coverage.
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