Nikki Bascome On Fight Against Kilpatrick
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Boxer Nikki Bascome insists he is still as hungry as ever as he gears up for his professional bout against American Rashad Kilpatrick at The Shed in Dockyard next Saturday [May 25].
Bascome, who will face Rashad in an eight-round welterweight contest, has not fought since defeating Filipino Alvin Lagumbay on points at The Shed 12 months ago.
The 33-year-old [13-1-0] knows he is in the twilight of his career but is confident of delivering another victory in front of his home crowd.
“It’s about proving things to myself – that’s my motivation,” Bascome told Bernews.
“I’m still hungry to compete and win. I want to be better than I was last time. If I didn’t still have the hunger, I wouldn’t carry on.
“I’m taking each fight as it comes. I’m getting older, and my main goal is to get out [of boxing] in good shape. I don’t want to stay in for too long.”
Kilpatrick, who has lost two of his nine professional fights, beat Juan de la Cruz Rodriguez [11-22-1], of El Salvador, on points in his previous outing in Baltimore in September last year.
Bascome said he has analysed footage of Rashad, who he was due to meet in March before the fight was postponed, and believes he has the game plan to nullify the wily 37-year-old.
“I watched some tape of him, we have a game plan, and I’ll look to execute it,” said Bascome, who will share top billing with Andre Lambe [10-0], who is facing American Kenny Paklos [3-0].
“He likes to take his time and boxes. He has a long reach and can mix it up when needed.”
Bascome said his training camp could not have gone better after honing his skills during sparring sessions with top local amateurs Adrian Roach and Jaylon Roberts.
“There will be a few nerves [before the fight], but for the most part, my experience will show and help me,” Bascome added.
“I’ve had a good camp and left no stone unturned in my preparation. I’m ready to do my best on the night.”
