Paterson, NJ’s Ossie Duran has every reason to believe he is one of the hungriest fighters in the sport. Dubbed as “The Ghanaian Gladiator”, Duran’s spent much of his career fighting in his opponents’ backyards and has yielded mixed results. At 24-8-2 (9 KO’s), he’s dropped close decisions against favored and well regarded fighters in James Kirkland, David Lopez and Fernando Guerrero. He also holds victories over former contenders Jaime Moore and Jonathan Reid.
On November 12, he will enter the squared circle against fellow tough luck contender Matt Vanda at nearby Schuetzen Park in a role he’s far from accustomed to; as a hometown favorite. 15rounds exclusively spoke with Duran about his journey as a fighter and future outlook.
Matt Yanofsky: This will be one of the first fights for you in quite some time where you won’t have to fight in your opponent’s hometown. How does that feel?
Ossie Duran: It feels good! I am training hard to put on a good show for my fans in New Jersey.
MY: Matt Vanda is pretty similar to you career and record wise. Both of you have some losses with a number of them coming to good fighters. Do you expect this to be a tough fight?
OD: Yeah I have seen some of his (fights on tape) and I don’t underrate any fighter. This is going to be a good fight.
MY: What do you see leading you to victory?
OD: I am going to use my jab and good defense. I am going to keep on doing what I have in training camp. I am training hard for a good performance.
MY: As mentioned, this fight will take place in your hometown, but you are a New Jersey transplant since you didn’t grow up in the area. A lot of fans and media don’t know much about you yet. What kind of crowd are you expecting to bring for your first fight near Paterson?
OD: Since I have been in New Jersey, I have gone around to a lot of different gyms, so I think people have seen (what I can do in the ring). I also have a lot of friends who come to my fights and travel to see me, so I expect a lot of people to be there cheering for me.
MY: What can fans who haven’t previously seen you expect come November 12?
OD: A different Ossie Duran! I have been in the state for a few years now and see how (they fight over here) so I have transformed my style. I am becoming a powerful puncher so fans will like what they see.
MY: Vanda is a tough fighter but is generally viewed as a stepping stone opponent. Although you’ve fallen short in the past, the boxing world knows that you can hang with a top notch fighter. If you are victorious, who is on your radar?
OD: Right now I am focused on Matt Vanda and to take him out. This is all that is on my mind right now worrying about how to take him out.
MY: I know you have trained all over the world including in Africa, England and Rhode Island amongst other places. You mentioned that there are differences in New Jersey boxing. What made you realize it is different and how have you adapted?
OD: When I was in Rhode Island, I wasn’t comfortable because I (basically worked out with the same fighters) in the same place. Here I go to different gyms and spar with different people, so it’s like a competition. I have sparred a lot of good fighters so that has made me pick it up.
MY: There is a lot of good competition in the New Jersey area between 154 and 168 lbs. Who are some of the better fighters that you have worked with?
OD: There are a lot of guys. I’ve worked with Danny Jacobs, Yuri Foreman, Omar Sheika, Jerson Ravelo and a lot of other guys such as Momma’s Boy (Denis Douglin) and all these young guys too.
MY: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?
OD: I want to get a piece of the cake (make significant money) and become a world champion! Right now I am hungry and everybody is going to see that on the 12th.
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