Nike Theran is well aware that a victory this weekend could take him to the brink of something far bigger.
It’s an uphill battle on paper, as he faces world-rated Justin Pauldo. Their ProBox TV main event takes place this Saturday from Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California.
“The truth is, it’s a very big opportunity that they are giving me,” Theran told BoxingScene from training camp with coach Carlos De Leon in Las Vegas. “I think it’s time for the boxing world to realize who Nike Theran is.
“And I think I’m going to give an excellent show and that people can get to know who I am.”
Theran is 20-1 (14 KOs) and his last three fights have been in Italy, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. He lost the bout in Italy, to veteran Michael Magnesi by a close decision.
The trip from camp in Vegas to Fresno is no big deal.
“I’m the type of guy who prepares mentally and physically for the fight and I have nothing [else] to say, I showed my effort and dedication that I had in training so I can win the fight.”
Theran has watched ProBox TV and knows the ethos behind the programming, evenly-matched 50-50 contests, and he said that attracted him to the show.
“I’ve noticed that about these fights and these cards,” Theran said. “It’s for the best. I think it’s the best because there’s no favoritism and whoever puts on a good show or good performance is the one who wins – and we are coming for the victory.
“It’s the first time for people to get to know me and, with God’s favor, we’re going to be victorious, and they will give me the opportunity to fight for a world title. I have a very good record of 20 wins, and I have another one in mind.”
Theran’s sights are not set on any particular opponent down the line.
He’s open to all fights.
“In reality, no,” he said, asked if he had anyone specific in mind. “I’d be fighting with anyone in the category they put me in. I will fight anyone.’
His message to Pauldo?
“Prepare yourself. I hope we put on an entertaining show for everyone and that we both fight with all we have and may the best man win.”
Tris Dixon covered his first amateur boxing fight in 1996. The former editor of Boxing News, he has written for a number of international publications and newspapers, including GQ and Men’s Health, and is a board member for the Ringside Charitable Trust and the Ring of Brotherhood. He has been a broadcaster for TNT Sports and hosts the popular “Boxing Life Stories” podcast. Dixon is a British Boxing Hall of Famer, an International Boxing Hall of Fame elector, a BWAA award winner, and is the author of five boxing books, including “Damage: The Untold Story of Brain Trauma in Boxing” (shortlisted for the William Hill Sportsbook of the Year), “Warrior: A Champion’s Search for His Identity” (shortlisted for the Sunday Times International Sportsbook of the Year) and “The Road to Nowhere: A Journey Through Boxing’s Wastelands.” You can reach him @trisdixon on X and Instagram.
