Home Boxing Interviews Ashley Theophane wants to rematch Broner or fight Burns but it must...

Ashley Theophane wants to rematch Broner or fight Burns but it must be for the world title

Ringnews24.com: Your last fight was against Adrien Broner – how do you feel the fight went, and looking back is there anything you would do differently?

The eight rounds went as my team and I thought. We wanted to still be in the fight going into the championship rounds as Adrien tends to fade during that time. One of the judges only had me two rounds behind. The referee made a mistake when I complained about the low blow. The crowd booed the stoppage as they clearly saw the low blow but the referee somehow missed it. That’s boxing for you. You just have to move on – can’t dwell on it.

Ringnews24.com: Would you like the chance to rematch Broner?

Of course but I want the world title on the line so it’s either he beats Ricky Burns for it or I do but I’d love to fight him again.

Ringnews24.com: Eddie Hearn has suggested WBA World super lightweight champion Ricky Burns will face Adrien Broner next in USA, how do you see that fight going?

Adrien will beat him. Ricky was supposed to fight Adrien years ago when they were both lightweight champions but chose to avoid him. I remember sparring Ricky for his win over Kevin Mitchell and his team wanted to use me for sparring if that fight ever happened. Ricky is a tough fight for anyone. He’s a Scottish warrior but AB will decision him.

Ringnews24.com: Your last fight in UK was in 2012 – Are there any plans to fight in UK and is that something you plan to do before the end of your career?

I’ve just signed a three year extension with Mayweather promotions so hopefully I can fulfil that and finish my career in Las Vegas.

I’ve done everything I could do in London. I was British champion, fought at Wembley Arena. I’m content with what I done against the odds with no opportunities from the big UK promoters.

Ringnews24.com: Which current champion would be you prefer to face for a world title shot, and what about your style makes you feel you can beat them?

I’ve only seen Terrence Crawford and Ricky Burns. Ricky is obviously the one that I would want. Big British world title fight in Las Vegas. Shame we didn’t have it on the undercard of Badou Jack and James Degale. That would of been a great double header.

Ringnews24.com: What is going on with your boxing career now – can you tell readers when, where and against whom you will be fighting next?

I’m fighting December 2nd in Las Vegas. I was due to fight September 16th then October 8th now December 2nd so I’ve been in camp for a while now. The focus is to get my 40th professional victory. Only three over active British fighters have more wins than me. Only boxers know how hard it is to have longevity in this game. What we put our bodies through. The sacrifice, hard work and dedication needed.

Ringnews24.com: You’ve come through a couple of tough moments in fights – who has been your toughest opponent to date?

Lenny Daws, Ali Oubaali and Pablo Cesar Cano. They have been my toughest by far. I’ve fought some warriors. Some great fighters. It’s been a hard but great ride.

Ringnews24.com: Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far?

I’ve had a few people. From Isola Akay of All stars boxing club to my mentor, friend and advisor Rene Carayol to my promoter and friend Floyd Mayweather.

Ringnews24.com: What fight taught you the most as a boxer?

My fight with Ali Oubaali proved to me I had the toughness to reach the top. My corner wanted to throw in the towel in round five but I asked the referee to give me a chance. He did and I battled to the tenth round. Many ringsiders thought it should of been a draw. I pissed blood that night and the morning after. I bounced back with a win over DeMarcus Corley when I was the underdog to loss.

Ringnews24.com: Aside from boxing, do you have any hobbies or interests that you pursue?

I enjoy traveling. This year alone I’ve been Dubai, Italy and Jamaica. Along with England and America. Hopefully I’ll be in Ireland and in the Far East soon.

Ringnews24.com: What other sports do you follow or take part in?

I enjoy track, swimming and football.

Ringnews24.com: Why do you think fighters such as Roy Jones Jr continue to fight on when all they are doing is diminishing his record and quite possibly their legacies?

Roy Jones Jr is one of the best fighters ever. I don’t think he tarnished his legacy. Most fighters fought on when they should of retired. Is Ali’s legacy tarnished by his loses to Spinks, Holmes and Berbick? No! Is Tysons due to his loses to Williams? No! If Roy is fighting because he enjoys it or because he needs the money. It’s his life and he has bills to pay. Ray Robinson, Henry Armstrong, Joe Walcott, most fighters’ box past their prime. It’s not for the fans to say when a fighter should quit. It’s for the fighter or commissions to.

Ringnews24.com: Do you have a message for the fans?

Thank you to all the fans for the love. I appreciate the good vibes. Enjoy the rest of your year.