BoxingAfrica.com caught up with Richard Commey as he prepares to begin camp for his next bout.
Fresh off vacationing in his native Ghana, the former IBF lightweight world champion is itching to get back in the ring with the goal of becoming a two-time world champion. Check out what Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) has to say about what’s next, a move to 140-pounds and much more!
On vacationing in Ghana…
RC: My time was great. I got to see my mother and some other family members and also some friends I hadn’t seen for a while.
When I’m in Ghana, I just relax, enjoy my mother’s cooking, the sunshine and basically have as much down time as possible. I also keep up my work as the Global Ambassador of my manager Michael Amoo-Bediako’s Streetwise Foundation. He actually joined me in Ghana and we managed to donate some much needed boxing equipment to a gym in Bukom, including a boxing ring, gloves, punch bags, boxing boots, tops, shorts etc.
I was shocked and disgusted when my manager met with the new GBA President, Abraham Kotei-Neequaye, and he disrespected our charity work and stated that it amounted to nothing but that’s another story which no doubt more will be said about that by my manager in the future.
Reflecting on the loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko last December…
RC: Well, I was fighting one of the best of our generation and although he put up a great performance, I felt I could have done a lot better. I couldn’t get into any rhythm but that’s not taking any credit away from Loma, he was exceptional that night and I want to say my prayers are with him and all the people of the Ukraine in this desperate time. There is no place in the world for what is happening and I hope this war comes to and end as soon as possible.
Defeat is always hard to take and I so wanted to win for my people back home. The reception when I returned to Ghana was very nice. Everyone was very proud of me and proud of my performance. Even though I lost they realized I was in with one of the best in the world and that I fought to the end with the heart of a lion.
On remaining at 135 or moving up…
RC: I have spoken with my manager and we have decided that now is the right time to move to 140-pounds. I have spent over 10 years at 135 and achieved my ultimate goal of winning a world title and headlined in some iconic venues including Madison Square Garden and The MGM Grand so there is nothing left for me at lightweight.
The obvious benefit is that I won’t have to kill myself trying to make 135, as we all know the older you get the more difficult it gets to make weight. Not to say I struggled but it just got a little harder naturally. The biggest benefit is that I will be able to chase another dream of being a two-weight world champion.
On a potential next opponent…
RC: There have been some names bandied about but I can’t say yet until they are confirmed and contracts are signed but I am really looking forward to the new challenge.
You know me, I hardly ever call out anyone. All I need is a clear route to a world title so I am not bothered who I fight.
On the timetable for a ring return…
RC: It looks like I will be returning in July. I am just waiting on dates from my promoter Lou DiBella and Top Rank.
On what is left to accomplish…
RC: I’m not done yet. I definitely want to win another world title and maybe move up to 147 after that. I still feel I have a lot to offer but first things first, a new chapter looms at 140 and I’m looking forward to it.
