Ashley Theophane moved one step closer to his goal of reaching 50 wins with a stoppage win in Accra, Ghana.
The globe-trotting welterweight and former Floyd Mayweather fighter continued his mission to stay active before retirement.
Theophane is in his twilight years at 38 but still hopes to land one big fight to further cement a lasting legacy in the sport.
Holding the British title between 2011 and 2012, plus challenging for a world title in 2016 has already assured Theophane of his place in UK boxing history.
Mixing it with the likes of Danny Garcia, Adrien Broner, Pablo Cesar Cano, DeMarcus Corley and Delvin Rodriguez during a 53-bout stint holds Theophane in high regard.
His time as TMT member served to enhance his reputation and Theophane is using what time he has left to make his mark.
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News from Ghana, Theophane outlined his African experience and channeling his inner Muhammad Ali.
“I’ve been in Accra, Ghana for a week. I had a few training sessions and hit the road as wanted to acclimatize to the heat and humidity here,” Theophane explained to WBN.
“It’s been great out here. Muhammad Ali fought around the world, Mike Tyson too. Boxing is a worldwide sport and I continue to get love across the world.”
On the support of the people despite beating one of their own in Frank Dodzi after three rounds, the now 44-8-1 Theophane added: “The local support has been great. Obviously, they had to cheer for their local fighter but they wished me well and I took loads of photos with the young fighters.
“I’ve fought at the MGM Grand, headlined in Las Vegas, fought at Wembley Arena and been British Champion. Not to mention challenged for the world championship and fought a Who’s Who of Boxing. My career has been great. I was with Floyd Mayweather for five years and left a year early from my contract as I wanted to do this world tour I’m currently on.
“I don’t know if I’ll make it to 50 wins but I’d like to. I’ve fought four times in the last ten months. I could do another four maybe over the next year.
“I’m just taking one fight at a time because, at my age, I’m always changing my mind. I’ve done everything I wanted to do, even more, so I’m happy and content with my career.
“No other active British fighter has more wins than me. What I’ve achieved is incredible as for ten of my fifteen-year career I’ve been on my own.”
OFFER
With plans in the pipeline to compete in Ghana again, Theophane will initially return to London after confirming contact over a possible swansong on home soil.
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has been in touch and there could be something tasty on the table for ‘The Treasure’ to chew on.
“They’ve scheduled me to fight mid-October for the WBO Africa championship. I’ll come back to London as I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet. There’s interest from promoters in Ireland, Mexico and Poland, I’m always working on my next move.
“Eddie Hearn messaged me personally last week about fighting in the UK. The money needs to be improved which he has been increasing, but I want a fight at 140lbs.
“Ricky Burns and Terry Flanagan are the two British 140lbs fighters I’d like to fight. British Boxing is doing great. We’ve just seen Callum Smith and George Groves go at it in the World Boxing Super Series.
“I’m used to being the outsider in British Boxing hence if no fight I’m interested in comes, I’ll continue my world tour. The show goes on regardless.”
TREASURE GYM
Concluding by re-emphasizing his desire to give something back, Theophane intends to stay involved in the sport for many years to come.
“The plan is the same as it’s been for the last year. Be active! 2019 is when I’d love to open my Treasure Boxing Gym in London. It will be somewhere to get the kids off the streets. And people who just want to keep fit.
“From a fighting and UK standpoint, Terry Flanagan or Ricky Burns in 2019 would be the fights I want for the immediate future,” said Theophane.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
