Matt (Matti) O’Brien is in upstate New York getting ready for a big-time bout against Librado Andrade in Guanajuata, Mexico.
The 12-round super middleweight (168 lbs.) bout, slated for Aug, 27, is for the WBC Intercontinental title.
“It’s just one step below the world title,” O’Brien, 33, explained before heading off for his evening training.
In preparation for the fight, O’Brien left for New York three weeks ago to train with his cut man Bob Miller.
Andrade is currently ranked seventh in the world and will present a tough challenge for O’Brien.
“He’s a cement head,” O’Brien said.
“He can take your best shot and he’s on you non-stop.”
The key to victory, O’Brien said, is to stick and move, throw a set of punches and move so as not to give Andrade a stationary target.
“He throws a lot of punches,” O’Brien said of his opponent.
“My jab is going to be key to get his respect early.
“I need to let him know I can hurt him as well.”
Even though he hasn’t stepped into the ring since January, O’Brien isn’t concerned he will step into the ring with any rust marking up his skills.
He did admit, however, going toe-to-toe with Andrade is not an easy proposition.
In preparation, the boxer from Quesnel is training diligently, going for an 8-km run in the morning, weight training in the afternoon and then skipping and other foot-work training in the evening.
In addition, O’Brien has stepped into the ring with sparring partners, going the full 12 rounds.
With a record of 18 wins, seven by knockout and two losses, O’Brien has the experience and knowledge to understand what he is up against, a good boxer and a hometown crowd ready to influence the ring-side judges.
“I saw that when I was an amateur boxer and now later in my career,” O’Brien said of judges playing favourites.
“The trick is to not leave them with any doubt you won the bout.”
As for stepping into the ring Saturday night for a shot at the WBC Intercontinental Super Middleweight title, O’Brien is confident.
“I’m ready,” he said.
