Welterweight contender Rashidi ‘Speedy’ Ellis 24-0 (15) is looking for a big win against Roiman ‘Flaco de Oro’ Villa 25-1 (24) on the Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs Hector Luis Garcia undercard at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC this Saturday night to push him closer to a world title shot.
The 29-year-old from Lynn, Massachusetts has fought just once since his 12-round unanimous decision win over Alexis Rocha 21-1 (13) in October 2020, a first-round knockout of journeyman Jose Marruffo 14-11-2 (2) in an eight-rounder last July.
“I’m ready for any of the top dogs. I’d step in there right now with anyone in the top five. Ideally, I’d fight the champions, but right now I’m ready for the best man available,” Ellis said.
“I feel like it’s my turn now. Especially after January 7. I think everyone is going to see that I’m coming to take over.
“We’re going to have to see what Villa brings into the ring. He’s a come forward fighter, which can be a difficult task for some. He’s gonna have to show me in the ring. I don’t think he’s going to be able to just walk me down.
“I see a lot of things that I can do in there, that I don’t think he’s capable of. I’ve been the best kept secret, but I’m not a secret anymore. I’m here now.
“I don’t really have any rivals yet because nobody wants this action. Nobody wants to get in there with me. I’d love someone to talk trash with and make the fights even more exciting.”
But Colombian banger Villa, 29, is not coming to roll over. He fought three time last year with his last outing, culimating in an eight-round unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Janelson Figueroa Bocachica at Atlantic City in New Jersey in September. Villa had Bocachica on the canvas in the second round and went on to win by scores of 78-72 and 79-71 twice.
The only other time he has been the distance was in his 12-round split decision loss to Marcos Villasana four years ago.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to step into the ring on Saturday night. I’m beyond excited to show the whole world what I can do against Rashidi Ellis,” Villa said.
“I wasn’t as prepared for my last fight as I wanted to be, but I still got the victory. Right now, I’m feeling really good and more prepared than I’ve ever been.
“I’m extremely confident heading into this fight. I don’t care if people say that I’m the underdog, because I believe in myself and I know what I can do. It doesn’t matter what Ellis can or can’t do. I believe in myself and my abilities.
“Anything is possible with a victory in this fight. I’m willing to step into the ring with anybody. I trust my team and if they want me to face Jaron Ennis next, then bring it on.”
