Skip to content
Home » EXCLUSIVE: Ashley Theophane celebrates 43rd victory, reveals Eddie Hearn contact over UK fight

EXCLUSIVE: Ashley Theophane celebrates 43rd victory, reveals Eddie Hearn contact over UK fight

Theophane, 37, headed to his third country in eight months when defeating Jonas Vass in a stay-busy contest via fourth round stoppage in Hungary.

The Budapest triumph, the 13th knockout of Theophane’s career, added to previous wins in Germany last December and the United States in April.

Updating WBN upon landing back at Luton Airport, ‘Treasure’ says he wants to avoid any ring rust in the hope of landing a bigger fight down the line.

“It was just a fight to stay active, keep busy and stay sharp. The opponent was never going to cause me any problems. My coach was happy and we move on to the next,” Theophane exclusively told World Boxing News.

“Pretty much since 2006 I’ve been boxing around the world so Hungary was another box ticked. Five years straight I was based in Las Vegas and before that in New York City at Gleason’s Gym and Starrett City. So I’m more comfortable abroad. I’m shown more love there than at home. It is what it is and I don’t complain, I just get on with it.”

Asked how his body is reacting to aging as his approaches his 38th birthday next month, Theophane replied: “My coach said I fought like I was 27, not 37. I feel good and the reflexes are there.

“I’ve slowed down but that’s where timing and experience come into play.”

He continued: “I’m not looking to fight forever. I’d love to fight in London. It’s been over seven years. I’ve had a great career and had five years with Floyd Mayweather. Have a good relationship with him still and I fought for the world championship. Currently, I have 43 professional victories and no other UK boxer has more.”

Revealing contact over a UK fight from Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, Theophane stated the welterweight offer wasn’t to his liking as he’s aiming to compete at super-lightweight.

“Eddie Hearn contacted my team about fighting on September 22nd. Unfortunately, it was in a 147lbs fight and I want to compete at 140lbs. Hopefully we can come to a deal as I’d love to fight in London.

“Eddie seems to forget my name when I say I want to fight Ricky Burns but couldn’t stop for a whole year mentioning my name with one of his other fighters.

“Then there’s Frank Warren, who has Terry Flanagan. Terry’s a great fighter but I believe I’d beat him at 140lbs.

“I’m not interested in the British championship and Frank has no other 140lbs British fighter of note, other than Jack Catterall and Flanagan.

“I’m on my own and still able to make relationships with promoters and staying active so I’m proud of that fact but I’d love a big fight in London. Whether I get that or not is solely up to Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn and Sauerland Promotions.

With the World Boxing Super Series at 140 pounds close to completion, Theophane said talks with Sauerland didn’t cover a possible reserve spot for the forthcoming tournament.

“That’s a great tournament and many of them aren’t known so it will raise their profile. Young hungry quality fighters are set to compete for the trophy. I’ve spoken to Nisse but not about WBSS.

“I’m looking forward to watching the cruiserweight final. Anything that’s great for boxing, I fully support,” added the former British champion.

Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay