Nigerian Professional boxer, Oto Joseph has been talking tough ahead of his upcoming match against his Ghanaian opponent for the Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC) title in January.
Oto Joseph, popularly known as Joe Otto represented Nigeria at the 2013 World Championship and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as holding the lightweight title from 2017 to 2020.
The Master boxer has 16 matches to his name, winning all matches, 8 by knockout, without losing any.
Otto Joseph is regarded as the next big thing to happen to the boxing industry, as he remains unbeaten in all his professional boxing matches so far. He is definitely the man to beat.
In an exclusive interview with Sports247, our reporters caught up with the amazing boxer, who opened up to how he began life as a boxer, what motivated him to become a boxer, as well as his upcoming bout in January against his opponent, admitting that he was going to destroy his opponent.
*How did you venture into boxing?
I ventured into boxing after watching my elder brother train. I had an interest in football and taekwondo, but after seeing him train, I had to join him and I loved it, even though my parents were not in support of it at first, but later on, seeing how good I was, they had no problems with it.
*Being a Professional boxer, What motivated you to become a boxer?
Like I said earlier, witnessing my elder brother train in boxing made me like the beautiful game, also, what further motivated me was that no professional boxer had come through from my area in Lagos, I wanted to prove to everyone that my area is blessed with talented boxers and I wanted to make my people proud.
*We found out that you have fought 16 times, losing none, as well as winning 8 by Knockouts (KO), how do you do it, what’s the secret?
(Smiles), Well, I study my opponent a lot. Before any match, I watch videos of their previous bouts and know their strength and weaknesses. I also do a lot of training, working on myself and my fitness level as to remain strong and fit for any match
*Your match against your opponent which was supposed to hold on the 26th of December, 2020 has now been moved to January 22nd, 2021, what is the reason behind the postponement?
Due to the festive season as well as the Covid 19 pandemic, we had to move the fight to next year, so as to carry everyone along.
*Speaking about your opponent in January, what do you have to say about him?
I think come January, I am going to destroy my opponent, I don’t care who he is, am going to knock him out. I am fully prepared for the match, I don’t even like the idea of postponing the match, I wish it could hold on Boxing Day (December 26th). My opponent is even scared of me, come January 22nd, 2021 expect a knockout from me to him.
*Tell us about your Memorable boxing Match so far in your career?
All the matches I have fought so far have been memorable. Most especially the 8 knockouts I have against my opponents.
*Do you think you can defeat the likes of Anthony Joshua, May Weather, and the rest, considering your unbeaten run and impressive form so far?
I think I can beat both of them, considering my form so far. I will defeat anyone who comes my way, regardless of who you are, either being Anthony Joshua, Mayweather, or whoever, I am always ready to conquer.
*What do you have to say to your fans and supporters who look up to you as their role model, as well as fans who will cheer you up come January 22nd, 2021?
All I will say to them is for them to continue their support for me and pray for me. I will never disappoint them, I will always make them proud, and come January 22nd, I will knock out my opponent and will dedicate the victory to all my fans.
*Thanks for speaking to us
You are always welcomed.
Oto Joseph won the Gold medal in the National Sports Festival here in Nigeria in 2012. He is definitely regarded as the Next big thing to happen to Boxing as well as the ‘Man to beat’ by many in Professional boxing.
