Maliek Montgomery needs to show there’s extra to his skill-set than simply being a puncher or being a sparring associate for a few of boxing’s high fighters.
He’ll want to take action towards a former world title challenger.
Montgomery will face late-sub Cesar Juarez Friday night time on the Additional time Elite Area in Atlanta, Georgia. The eight-round junior light-weight bout will precede the principle occasion bout between once-beaten tremendous middleweight Lorenzo Simpson and Raiko Santana.
Each fights will headline an OTX 8 Dwell card that may stream stay on DAZN (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).
The 28-year-old (17-0, 16 knockouts), who lives and trains in Las Vegas, Nevada, was scheduled to struggle on Might 3, however his struggle towards Eridson Garcia fell by. Supervisor Trifon Petrov was capable of put Montgomery on Friday’s card, and believes he is able to make a press release on the expense of Juarez.
“Maliek was speculated to struggle Ramiro Cesena, who sadly pulled out (of the struggle),” Petrov informed The Ring Tuesday night. “I wish to thank Additional time (Boxing) for doing every little thing doable to search out us a substitute opponent on brief discover.
“We are going to now face Cesar Juarez, who’s a world title challenger and all the time comes able to struggle. Maliek is hungry to show he’s prepared for the most important names within the division, so I anticipate him to dominate Juarez and get one other knockout win on Friday night time.”
Montgomery final fought on June 3 of final 12 months in La Vega, within the Dominican Republic, stopping Kenin Betancourt within the third spherical. Montgomery’s final three fights have taken place within the Dominican Republic.
His most notable win passed off on a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card in September 2021, defeating Aleem Jumakhonov by unanimous choice. Regardless of having knocked out his final six opponents, Montgomery goals to show he can outbox his opponents, as nicely.
“I wish to carry out to my finest, whether or not it’s outboxing my opponents or by knockout,” Montgomery informed The Ring in a latest interview. “I’m not afraid to combine it up. If you happen to’re going to stress me on the within, I can intelligently struggle and outbox you on the within. I can stroll you down behind a jab. I can make the most of completely different angles, my ring generalship is robust. I could be very clever within the ring.”
Montgomery moved from his hometown of Macon, Georgia to Las Vegas, thought-about one of many premier cities in boxing to get the most effective sparring. During the last couple of years, Montgomery was capable of spar Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Devin Haney, simply to call just a few.
After a number of sparring periods, Montgomery gained extra confidence and realized extra of his self price as a fighter and what he’s able to.
“I sparred ‘Tank’ earlier than his struggle towards Isaac Cruz and Devin earlier than his rematch with (George) Kambosos,” mentioned Montgomery, who’s educated by his father, Maliek, Sr. “Being in the identical ring with them and holding my very own made me understand I must be additional alongside within the sport. I wish to struggle on these greater levels. I wish to present the world on Friday what I’m and what I’m able to to struggle on these massive levels.”
Regardless of having solely fought one 10-round struggle and restricted opposition, Montgomery believes a press release win over Juarez might put him nearer to combating for a title.
Regardless of Juarez being on the again finish of his profession, he might be a good measuring stick as to the place Montgomery is at this level. Montgomery is assured he can’t solely win impressively, however is amongst the highest fighters at 130 kilos.
“I really feel like I’m a contender now,” mentioned Montgomery. “After two or three wins, I consider I can struggle for a type of titles.
“This isn’t a part-time factor for me. I’m all in and I’m devoted to the game. I wish to struggle the most effective within the division. Nobody particularly. I can alter or struggle any type put in entrance of me.
“I’ve made changes and I’m heading in the right direction.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing
