Former IBF world lightweight champion Richard Commey is planning a summer ring return with his sights set on a world title shot.
Commey, 30-3 (27 KOs) is currently vacationing in his native Ghana. The Accra native returned home following his impressive sixth-round stoppage of Jackson Marinez last February. Still going strong at 34, Commey is out for another world title, and is ready to go through any of the young guns at 135-pounds in order to obtain one. Check out what he had to say during a conversation with BoxingAfrica.com:
Richard, what’s the latest with you?
All good, thank you, just here in Ghana ticking over until I return to the States at the end of the month.
How does it feel to be back in Ghana?
It’s been great, it’s always nice to come home and visit my family and friends and also enjoy my mother’s cooking.
We last saw you in the ring back in February, when you stopped Jackson Marinez. Having had time to reflect on that fight, assess your performance for us.
I think it was a 6 out of 10. Obviously I was a bit rusty being out of the ring for 14 months but once I got going I started to feel comfortable and get my range. I knew that once I got into my rhythm it was only a matter of time before I got to him.
Have you received any word on when you might return to the ring?
I haven’t but I’ve heard that Top Rank have some dates coming in June and July so I hope to be on one of those shows.
Who are you targeting?
As I have said to my management and my promoter, I want to be a world champion again so whatever route that takes I’m not really fussed. All I’m interested in is winning a world title again for myself and Ghana.
We’ve seen a lot of back and forth and trash talk in the 135-pound division, yet no one seems too eager to call you out. Why do you think that is?
Simple, because they are scared. The only none who stood up to fight me was Teofimo Lopez and after he beat Lomachenko as well he is the undisputed champ. I saw Devin Haney’s dad say they didn’t need to fight me because I’ve got losses on my record then they go and fight Jorge Linares, I hear Tank Davis has moved up to fight Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia has never mentioned my name full stop. I will fight any of these but they and their promoters know that I bring it.
What do you feel you have to do in order to get some of these young guns in the ring with you?
I feel I’ve done enough already but as long as their promoters have the money to protect their fighters it will always be difficult for me. So that’s why it’s important for me to win a world title again then I might be able to get one of them in the ring.
Has your promoter, Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, given you any word as far as what may be next for you?
I leave that to my management. I know they work well together in getting me the opportunities and I have every confidence in them getting me the right fights at the right time.
Your last few fights have been under the Top Rank banner on ESPN. Have they said anything to you about whether you’ll be back?
I have loved every minute fighting on the Top Rank and ESPN shows culminating in headlining their show in the MGM Grand in Vegas. That was great. They have treated me incredibly well and I have to shout out Evan Korn, Crystina Poncher and Mark Kriegel for always making me feel comfortable. They haven’t said anything to me personally but I’m keeping my fingers I will be fighting on one of their shows in June or July.
Does it bother you to see other lightweights getting their dates and you’re still waiting for yours?
Yes it does because I feel I’m as good as any of them and I have a lot to offer. I don’t duck anyone and I’m always in good, exciting fights so I get a little frustrated which I have been taking out on my manager Michael Amoo-Bediako who was recently in Ghana with me. He knows how I feel.
What are your options if you don’t get a date and/or opponent soon?
Well I’m still signed to DiBella Entertainment who have been very good and supportive of me. Lou has always assured me they will do everything in their power to get me the fights I want so I have to trust him and his team. I will be back in the States at the end of the month so I hope to have a date by then.
What message would you like to send to your fans who are eagerly awaiting your return?
Firstly, I want to thank all the fans who never left me after my loss to Teofimo Lopez. You gave me the encouragement to keep going and to not give up in my pursuit to be a world champion again. It has meant a great deal. I am working hard and for sure I will be ready when the call comes and I won’t let you down. God Bless you all.
