Boxing Prospect Watch: American Heavyweight Ashanti Jordan

American heavyweight prospect Ashanti Jordan fought on the under card of the HBO Boxing show in San Jose on March 7. Now 8-0, Jordan is promoted by Golden Boy and is looking forward to getting into the ring again at the end of the month. I spoke with him briefly following his most recent win, about his training, his game and what's in store for the rest of the year.

Jordan has been getting some sparring time in with veteran Oleg Maskaev, who he says not only has huge power in his right hand but also "deceptive speed." Despite having only 8 fights as a pro, he feels that with sparring with guys such as Maskaev, he's getting key experience and learning a lot in the gym that he can apply in the ring.

But he also understands that it's in the ring where the real learning takes place, and he plans to stay as active as possible. His goal for the rest of the year is to continue to get into the ring as often as possible and continue progressing through the ranks. He hopes that by the beginning of next year, he'll be where some other American heavyweight prospects, like Chris Arreola, currently are.

So he'll be stepping into the ring again before the month is out, hopefully on a card at the Arco Arena in just a few months. "Staying busy and getting rounds in" is what Jordan is trying to accomplish, after fighting six times in 2008.

When asked if his style is reminiscent of any other fighter's, Jordan says that he just tries to do his own thing and fight his own style. His strengths lie in the use of his jab and that's what he wants to work off of in the ring.

When asked if he has any weaknesses, he points to "the inside game." He says he's putting a lot of time into working on fighting on the inside. In a division where 220-230 lbs, where he currently fights is still relatively small, learning to handle the heavier loads of some of the bigger men in the division will be crucial.

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Jordan understands that as Americans we are craving a new American star in the division, which has been lacking in recent years. He hopes to prove to fans that he can be that guy, and wants everyone to keep an eye out as he moves through the ranks and gets ready for bigger and better things.

By Jake Emen
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Director of Boxing Content