Junior welterweight fringe contender Steve Claggett 36-7-2 (25) is looking to keep his recent win streak alive when he takes of heavy-handed Miguel ‘Explosivo’ Madueno 30-1 (28) at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada on Tuesday night.
The 34-year-old Canadian has won seven bouts on the bounce including six stoppages dating back to May 2021.
The Madueno fight will be his fourth this year.
“I think it’s a great fight, he’s a tough, tough guy, he’s got a big punch and from his record it would show he’s a knockout puncher,” Claggett told The Ring.
“He’s a scrappy guy. Honestly, I feel I have the experience because I’ve been through it. I have been in this game for a long time and I look forward to showing my experience and what I’ve been working on because I feel I’m getting better in every fight and I’m ready to prove it.”
US-based Madueno, 25, has boxed much of his career in his native Mexico and is riding a three-fight knockout streak.
“He comes in and he’s aggressive, he throws a lot of punches and he’s busy,” Claggett said. “From my perspective I’d say he’s reckless. I know he’s a strong guy, he comes in and pushes guys around. His aggression is one of his strengths. That would be something he does well.
“I definitely think I have the edge in experience in the way I’ve fought a bunch of different styles and different opponents that have come to win. I’m not saying his opponents have not come to win but there’s a difference in resume, just because the paths we’ve both had.
“I always like to prove it when we get in the ring. That’s when everything will come out. I think he’s been in there with a lot of guys with losing records. It’s great for your record but when you face a guy who is coming to win it’s a different story.”
Claggett is ranked number 15 by the WBC and IBF at 140-pounds, making him eligible for a shot at both sanctioning body world titles. Regis Prograis 29-1 (24) is the WBC champion while Subriel Matias 19-1 (19) holds the IBF belt.
“Things will continue to move along the path that they’re moving,” Claggett said. “I feel like I’m gaining some traction out here, I feel like my fan base is growing, my ranking is going up.
“We’ll see, I guess. It all boils down to what kind of performance I can give and that’s why I’m putting everything into this training camp because I really, really want to show everyone I’m getting better.
“I feel like right now I’m hitting a late version of my prime because now that I have the consistency, I feel like a whole new fighter.
“I’m ready for the best, I’m ready for the top guys and this guy right here is a dangerous fighter and he’s a big puncher and he’s coming to fight, so I’m ready for this guy first and foremost and after that we’ll see what comes next.
“Wait, watch and see because I haven’t shown my best yet.”
