Belts and money are almost always the motivation for fighters, but Badou Jack also has a mythical goal in mind as he continues to climb the ladder in the world of boxing.
The 34-year-old native of Sweden, now fighting out of Las Vegas, not only has his sights set on taking home the WBC light heavyweight title this spring, but also earning a coveted spot on boxing's highly debated pound-for-pound list. The Ripper (22-1-2, 13 KO) can start to make a case for his inclusion if he takes care of business against Adonis Stevenson (29-1, 24 KO) May 19.
"First I have to win, but the future is bright," says Jack.
The showdown with Stevenson is one of the best fights on the calendar for the first half of the 2018 and Showtime will air the bout as part of a split card featuring welterweight champion Keith Thurman's long awaited return to the ring. Jack has his work cut out for him considering this will be just his second fight as a light heavyweight—he debuted at 175 pounds on the Mayweather-McGregor undercard this past August with a TKO victory over Nathan Cleverly—while Stevenson has successfully defended his belt eight straight fights and has barely looked his age during the run. We caught up with Jack to talk about how fighting the 40-year-old Canadian North of the Border won't be a problem, why the light heavyweight division might be boxing's best, and the piece of advice from mentor Floyd Mayweather that has stuck with him the longest.
(This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)
You made your light heavyweight debut this past August, you feel like this is the division you really belong in?
Absolutely. I’m a natural light heavyweight. Actually, I’m a cruiserweight.
So one more division to go up to?
Yeah. Maybe. But first we’ve got some big fights coming up.
Why can you become the dominant boxer in the light heavyweight division?
I believe I’m the best fighter. I believe in my skill set. I love to fight and I want to fight the best. I’ve been fighting the best and I want to continue to fight the best.
Has that confidence, that bravado been something you’ve developed over the years or something always innate?
I’ve always been confident but of course with experience you gain more confidence. Experience is very important in big fights.
Why is the light heavyweight division arguably the best in boxing right now?
Andre Ward just retired but you have [Sergey] Kovalev, you’ve got Stevenson, you’ve got [Sullivan] Barrera and all these young guys coming up, too. Everybody can punch. There’s so many guys I forgot them [all].
It was announced last week that you and Stevenson will meet in May. Why is this the best matchup in the light heavyweight division?
He’s got the WBC belt. He’s the lineal light heavyweight champion of the world. I think he’s the longest reigning world champion in boxing. But he hasn’t been fighting the top guys. So he’s about to step up.
For sure. Stevenson’s 40 years old, why hasn’t he looked his age? Is that the competition or is that his skill level?
He probably takes care of his body, no drinking and training hard. He definitely hasn’t taken much punishment because he hasn’t been in the ring with anybody. But I’m going to turn 35 this year and a lot of people don’t believe that I’m about to turn 35 so you take care of your body you will last longer.
Since you’re fighting on his turf, in front of his people, how much of a factor do you expect the environment/venue to be?
His fans can’t fight for him so it don’t matter. A real champion can go to other people’s hometown and take their title. That’s how I’m fighting. Hopefully it doesn’t have to go to the scorecard.
Was this fight close to not happening because there were rumors that it was on the verge of falling through?
Yeah, as far as I know. I read something online that people said I pulled out, that I got a better offer. Someone spreading a lie.
Stevenson is the best fight to make in the division right now.
Yeah. Either him or Kovalev. But I’m very happy to get that fight finally after he called me out.
Any regrets giving up the WBA world light heavyweight title after beating Cleverly?
I didn’t have no choice. That was in the contract before the fight. Floyd told me that it was in the cards. He said, I got you this fight but you’re going to have to give up the title. I didn’t really want to do that. But, he said, you’re going to fight Stevenson right after. Floyd’s always been loyal to me and given me all the fights I’ve asked for. So I knew he was going to do it. I don’t know why they put that in the contract and for some reason they wanted me to vacate it and people wouldn’t step aside. That’s why.
Would you have preferred to get another fight under your belt before Stevenson since you haven’t fought since Mayweather-McGregor?
Of course I want to be more active. I wanted to fight [Stevenson] in December. I just found out it’s going to happen in May. Better late than never.
What’s the best piece of advice Floyd has given you under his stewardship.
Stay patient. When it comes to everything. The first thing he said when I met him was you’re going to be a world champ. Just keep winning and you’ll be ok.
Floyd staying retired or coming back?
I think he’s actually retired.
What does it feel like to knock somebody out?
It’s a great feeling. I’m a nice guy, but a competitor. I’m going in there to hurt you, to knock you around. So I love knockouts.
You’re getting into the energy supplement game?
I’ve got my supplement line Ripper Nutrition. I’m going to launch it March 1st, post-workout and pre-workout.
And you have this all cleared that if you take this you won’t fail any drug tests?
Absolutely. We got it tested. It’s going to be the most advanced formula ever based on the amino acids.
