Boxing
Unbeaten junior lightweight targets next fight as stepping stone to world title fight
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Maliek Montgomery believes a peripatetic career so far has prepared him well for an eventual world title fight.
Montgomery faces Oscar Bravo on Friday, live on DAZN . as part of the OTX night in Atlanta.
The Georgia native is therefore making a return to his hometown after stopping off in cities across America for other fights.
Montgomery boasts an 18-0 (16 KOs) record and the 28-year-old is looking to kick on in pursuit of a world title.
“I’ve been through so many different situations in my professional career, and I feel like I’m a different fighter and person because of those experiences,” Montgomery told BoxingScene . “Some things are just meant to happen, and I feel like what I’ve been through has prepared me for those world championship fights.”
Discussing a return to Georgia, he said: “I love it. I haven’t fought back home in years, and to have people from my hometown come out and support me means the world to me.”
Up ahead is 36-year-old Bravo, who is often used to gatekeep tougher fights higher up the division rankings, but Montogomery is not concerned.
“We’ve never shied away from a challenge,” Montgomery said. “This is our second fight on OTX this year, and we’re looking to get right back in the ring before the year is out. The focus is on staying active and being in the mix of things.
“Even now, I fight for my family and because I love fighting. Just point me in the right direction, and I’m ready to go.”
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