Running scared?

AFTER HIS one-minute-57-second-first-round knockout of the highly touted Jesus Angel Nerio at the Pickering Casino in Ontario on Saturday, the stocks of Jamaican heavyweight, Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown, has risen exponentially.

The Spanish native, although admitting he has some way to go before he is ready for a title shot, is hoping for some tougher competition when he faces his next opponent.

“I am still climbing,” the 33-year-old told The Gleaner.

“I am just waiting for the next fight. I am hoping they bring someone that can give a bit more challenge. Someone that can go three to four rounds. They are working on it, so let’s see how it goes.”

Despite his outstanding professional record, Brown, who took his record to 7-0, all of which were won by knockouts before the third round, said he still has some way to go before he is ready to contend for a title.

“I need to put more fights under my belt and after that, anything can happen. I am just taking the time to build. When it comes, it comes. We are not worried. Very soon I will have somebody strong to fight. We are just waiting on the right time,” he disclosed.

He also maintains that many of the boxers he has faced thus far are very talented but none have been able to stand up to his devastating right hand, nicknamed the ‘12 gauge’.

He noted also the strength work he has been doing of late has only helped multiply his power.

“I am much stronger and that’s the problem. I thought he (Nerio) would have come with more power but when the 12 gauge hit him, he didn’t want any more.

“The first one-two (combination) was the first punch that shook him up and from there he was lost. So I didn’t waste no time,” he recalled from Saturday’s matchup.

“The opponent (Nerio) is a strong boxer. In 2020 he challenged for a title. So he is no walkover. But I am much stronger as I have been working on my strength so I knew when I go in there, I would destroy him,” he said.

“These guys might have the talent but I am stronger and when I hit them they usually start backing up because they do not want to get two or three hits. But I am always going at them, so they are always running.”

He added that it was pleasing to see the Jamaican community out in such large numbers for the first time in his professional career, noting that it was something special and he hopes they continue to turn out and support.

“Shout out to all who came out and support. It was good to see so many Jamaicans out for the fight. I hope they continue to support. I was really pleased to see the Jamaicans and the black community out like that. It was amazing. I love it. It was a good night.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com