Counting Down the Days

Things are clearly hotting up. This week I had another interview with Boxing News magazine and next Friday, Sky Sports are in town and have asked for an interview.

I’m proud of myself. In boxing terms, I’ve come very far. I went without a promoter for ten years.

When I look back, the U.K. boxing industry gave me little support and just couldn’t force itself to believe that I might just achieve something in my career. It was not a pleasant or positive feeling. It might have been easier to just give up!

However, sometimes adversity can provide the biggest motivation. I was to become the British champion, a world title challenger, ranked in the world top 5 of the WBA, WBC and IBF organizations through the years.

I’ve fought the best of my era, achieving 40 career wins. Only one other active British fighter has more wins than me. I have an 83% winning record. Not a bad outcome, even if I do say so myself. 

I’ve dropped 20lbs over the last few months. I’ve pushed my body whilst I was in London at All Stars Boxing gym, and I stepped it up here in Las Vegas at the Mayweather Boxing Club with Lou Del Valle and Marcele Johnson. Lou has been ecstatic with my progress with him. The aim is to go out there on Tuesday 22nd August and get the win in style at Sam’s Town Casino.

IBF 130lbs champ and Mayweather Promotions team mate, Gervonta “Tank” Davis is in town now, and has looked phenomenal in sparring. I’ve watched two of his three sessions this week. I think he has everything; 22 years old, skills, speed, power and the ‘IT’ factor. If he hasn’t stopped his opponents during sparring he’s bloodied and beat them up. He’s definitely entertaining. He even sparred a British fighter that is 3 to 4 weight divisions above him, and his power was troubling him. Tank will be a problem for anyone at 130lbs. He’s only going to get better.

Months have turned into weeks now, I’m days away from my 49th professional fight.
My 10th with Mayweather Promotions over the last 4 years. 8th in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m proud of what I achieved out here. It couldn’t have been achieved without René Carayol. Through the ups and downs, thick and thin this man has stood by me. Team work makes the dream work.

This week I was given the name of a potential opponent. Hopefully the Nevada State Athletic Commission approve him and it’s show time.  

Badou Jack is fighting another Brit. He seems to love facing them. First, George Groves, then James DeGale and now Nathan Cleverly.

Badou and I completed our last Mount Charleston run on Saturday. He’s ready to go and so am I.  

“Your dreams don’t have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again.”