Erick Ochieng says that Saturday's English light-middleweight
title defence against Ryan Toms will be his last at that level as
he eyes the British and Commonwealth titles.
Ochieng saw off a spirited challenge from AA Lowe on the
undercard of Carl Froch's stunning world title win over Lucian Bute
in May in Nottingham.
That defence was the tenth win of the Stoke Newington man's
career, and after beating Nick Quigley in a barnstormer in January
to claim the vacant belt, Ochieng has began to win admirers as his
career gets into full swing.
"Beating Lowe took me into double figures which was a nice
feeling," said Ochieng.
"So now I'm ready to step it up with another defence and then
hopefully keep moving up the levels. I really feel that I'm
developing well and at a good pace, and I'm showing that I am a
world champion in waiting.
"Eddie Hearn has said this is my final fight at English level
and I think I am overdue for a British or Commonwealth shot to be
honest - the future is bright and by the end of the year I want to
have one of those belts.
"I am looking to move through the titles but I have to take it
one step at a time. I know what I can produce and I know I need to
pass this test.
"Ryan is a tough southpaw with some power but I am confident in
my skills and I take every opponent seriously and preparations have
been superb. I've sparred with heavier guys like John Ryder and
we've left no stone unturned to make sure I'm at 100 per cent
tonight.
"I've been linked with fights with Jamie Cox (Commonwealth
champion) and Brian Rose (British champion) and I'm ready for
fights like that, I think that they are holding on to my titles and
they will be handing them over sooner rather than later.
"I don't fear anyone in the division, I see myself reaching the
top and I know I have to beat the best there is out there in order
to get to the top. I'm determined to face them and I'm gunning for
them this year, but tonight is the focus."
While the Quigley fight was a small hall classic at York Hall in
Bethnal Green, the Lowe win was a new experience for Ochieng -
taking on a hometown fighter in a huge arena.
Ochieng rose to the occasion at the Capital FM Arena, snuffing
out any threat from the challenger and imposing himself from the
off, and he added to his burgeoning reputation in front of the
largest crowd he's boxed in front of to date.
"He was a strong guy and very proud in front of his home fans so
even though he didn't throw a lot but he did enough to make me work
hard and go the distance so it was a good defence," said
Ochieng.
"It was a brilliant experience, an electric atmosphere and it
felt like the type of occasion that I want to shine on, just like
tonight. It was a pleasure to box in the same ring as Froch and it
was so inspiring watching him beat Bute as I aspire to be a world
champion just like him.
"I'm a smart fighter and I've got a lot of skills. Even though I
like to box on the backfoot, I'm a strong guy and if you ask my
opponents they always say after the fight 'Wow, you are a strong
fighter'. I am working on my speed and my combinations all the time
in the gym, but they are already good and they are getting more
dangerous."
Ochieng came to the UK when he was 12 years old and used boxing
as a way to stay away from trouble, something he wants to use his
influence to pass on to other youngsters in London.
"Boxing isn't just what happens in the ring, and being a role
model is really important to me. Sport is a great tool to help
young people to help them to grow and achieve things in their
lives, even if they don't take the sport up as a job.
"You learn about teamwork, discipline and dedication and when
you look at the power of the Olympics and how it has gripped the
nation and got young people interested in sport then you see the
possibilities there for boxing to help young people to improve
their lives.
"Sport has changed me and made me a better person, so I like to
motivate young people and get them out of trouble like boxing did
for me."
05/09/2012 22:55:48