Marco Antonio Periban Aims for Badou Jack Rematch

By Jake Donovan

Marco Antonio Periban is well aware of what’s in front of him, yet can’t help but to think what is well within reach. The super middleweight contender is in full preparation mode for an October 17 showdown with Ghana’s Joshua Okine, which will air live on Televisa from Veracruz, Mexico.

The fight he truly aspires is a showdown with Badou Jack, for more reasons than one. The two fought to a 10 round draw in Sept. ’13, the fight coming just three months after Periban fell just short versus Sakio Bika in a 12-round decision with the vacant WBC super middleweight title at stake.

Jack currently possesses the belt, having claimed it from Anthony Dirrell earlier this year. The Las Vegas-based Swedish boxer registered his first successful title defense with a hard-fought 12-round win over George Groves at home in September.

If Periban had it his way, a rematch would be next on his ledger.

“I'm at the top of the world rankings and feel I’m ready to contend for the championship versus Badou Jack, with whom I draw in a fight that left everybody wanting to see a rematch,” insists Periban (22-3-1, 14KOs). “What better time now that he is world champion!”

The draw with Jack was part of a rough stretch in Periban’s career, where he went 0-3-1 over a 17-month stretch, capped by a knockout loss to James DeGale last November.

Two straight wins have since followed for Periban, who turns 31 on Friday. He’ll need to add at least one more before garnering the attention of any of the current super middleweight titlists.

Up next for the fighting pride of Mexico City is what on paper suggests a foregone conclusion.

Okine (28-4-1, 17KOs) has won nine in a row, but has been out of the ring since May ’13. The 35-year old southpaw will also be coming in two divisions above his previous fighting weight.

Still, Periban doesn’t plan to leave anything to chance. His road to resurgence includes a return to his old coach Juan Jose Colorado, with the two having first met during his amateur days.

"We know Coach Colorado well, and enjoy working with him,” says Periban. “I’ve alreadly noticed the little touches that make the difference in a fight. We have corrected some bad ring habits that I’ve picked up in the pros, and I'm sure I will have a great performance.

“A win puts me just steps away from the world title. Before that, I’m so focused on beating Okine convincing, because nothing I can say (about fighting for a title) means anything if I do not win.”

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene