Top Rank boxing returns to ESPN this Saturday, Feb. 13th, with a co-feature seeing former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey (29-3) battling Jackson Marinez (19-1) of the Dominican Republic. Commey has not fought since losing his title to Teofimo Lopez in late 2019, while Marinez lost a controversial decision to Rolly Romero in August. In the main event, Joe Smith Jr. battles Russia's Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title, with the action taking place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Here is what is on Marienz's mind:
Ivan Montiel: In your most recent fight (against Rolando Romero), the decision did not come out the way it should have. You were credited with a loss that nearly everyone believes was unjust. Now have an opportunity versus a former champion, Richard Commey. What you think of Commey and what do you expect from him when you are in the ring?
Jackson Marinez: Yes, I have this big opportunity, but it comes after something happened which should not have happened. The world of boxing saw what happened to me against Romero. I expect Commey to come in with good conditioning, I know he is a very good fighter and I do not underestimate him as I prepare for this fight. He has lots of experience and he is going to push us to the maximum limit. I believe it will be an excellent fight.
IM: Speaking of a possible rematch versus Romero-- of course if everything goes well versus Commey-- do you want a rematch with Romero and do you think is it possible to make that fight?
JM: At this point in time, I do not have that rematch as my priority. Yes, I want it. But a win over Commey will mean bigger opportunities will arise, including possible title opportunities. I will have to talk with my team, my manager to see what is offered to us after this fight. But right now, my priority is not Romero. I am looking forward to my future and that is to get past Commey.
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QUESTIONS TO COMMEY:
Boxingtalk's Ivan Montiel asked Commey a couple of questions about Marinez, and here are the responses:
Ivan Montiel: It’s good to see you back in the ring. Everyone is talking about your opponent, Jackson Marinez, saying he got robbed in his last fight when Rolly Romero got the decision against him. What are your thoughts on that fight and what are you expecting from Marinez?
Richard Commey: I also felt that Marinez won that Romero fight. Styles make fights but Marinez did what what he had to do. But now, it's all about me and no longer about Romero. I feel like it’s the right time for me. It’s all about winning, to work on what to do in the gym in order to win. On February 13, 2021, I am definitely going to show that I belong there and that win will be mine.
IM: You also have a lot to prove based on what happened in your fight versus Teofimo Lopez [a second-round TKO loss]. Do you plan on making a big statement versus Marinez... in other words do you want to go for a knockout?
RC: Throughout my entire career I have always said I never intend to go in a ring to knock my opponents out. I go in there working on what I have worked in the gym. If a knockout comes, it comes as a bonus. This is a ten-round fight and I am ready to fight all ten rounds. Whatever comes before or after, in the end, it’s all about wining! Whichever way it comes, I am going to win. That’s all.
