Boxing: Badou Jack Ready To Take Next Step In 2018

Badou Jack finished off his 2017 this past summer, scoring a decisive fifth-round TKO over Nathan Cleverly on the undercard to Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor in Las Vegas.

The win resulted in Jack (22-1-2) becoming the WBA light heavyweight champion, adding to his previously held WBC super middleweight belt.

Now, the 34-year-old Jack is ready to make 2018 even better.

“I am 100 percent confident in my ability to take on and beat anyone in the division,” said Jack. “I’m the newcomer at light heavyweight, but I already proved I belong. I’m putting all the light heavyweights on notice,” Jack said. “After my win against Cleverly, I’m ready to target the biggest fights out there. I know that if I perform up to my abilities, I’m going to set a path toward unifying the titles. I just have to take it one fight at a time.”

Jack, who was born in Sweden, represented Gambia at the 2008 Summer Olympics in boxing. Thirteen of his 22 career wins have come via knockout.

Last January, Jack and James DeGale battled over the WBC super middleweight, IBF and The Ring super middleweight titles from the Barclays Center, with the bout ending in a majority draw. Many viewed the contest as “Fight of the Year” in boxing.

“Setting myself up for success for next year wouldn’t be possible without having a great 2017,” Jack said. “Kicking off the year with the unification fight against James DeGale was the best way to start, and even though I got robbed, it was a big night for me and my team. I learned a lot and definitely gained new fans here and abroad.

“I have strong roots and I carry my heritage with me every time I enter the ring. “I have a responsibility to be humble and be the people’s champion. I visited a lot of new places in 2017 and it really expanded my view of the world. I’m ready to take on the year ahead and make my team, family and fans proud every time I get the chance.”