Ballsy Jordan Latimer ready for risky comeback fights

Tonight in Glasgow, after well over a year out, Jordan Latimer [1(0)-0] makes his long-awaited return to the ring.

The Sligo-Manchester middleweight debuted last February with a points win over Duane Green but injury among other things has conspired to keep him out for 15 months.

It’s been tough for the 20-year-old and Latimer is keen to make up for lost time, starting with a succession of domestic dust-ups which he hopes will help him vault into contention.

Tonight at the Crown Plaza Hotel, the southpaw jumps straight into a four-round clash with game Cork-South African Jade Karam and will then follow this up with an Irish debut on July 7th versus Bray debutant Eddie Treacy.

It’s exactly what Latimer wants and he explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “I’m not going to lie, being out for last year has been tough to take, especially missing out on Last Man Standing.”

“At times you think whether you want to carry on or not you know. Man I love to fight. I love boxing. No fighter wants be inactive but I could never walk out. I can’t imagine me retiring.”

“The best fighters are the busy fighters. now that I’m back I’ve just got to put all that to back of mind and move on and try make up for lost ground. Seeing the other fighters in the division getting up the rankings makes me more determined and push forward.”

Latimer is well aware that he returns in a tough fight.

Karam is no journeyman that will go through the motions and the young Ballinacarrow graduate said that “this is a risky fight, I know that. Probably a 50/50 fight.”

“Yes it’s my comeback fight but I wanted a tough comeback fight. I didn’t want the average Eastern Europe journeyman that comes to lose, that’s just a waste of my time. I’m obviously levels above them and want to keep challenging myself and fight the best fighters out there.

“It’s a short career and I don’t want to waste any time and make up ground. I want to fight for titles.”

“I think it shows I got balls taking the Karam fight and the Treacy fight in July.

While it’s a risk, Latimer is predicting that he will be too fresh for Karam and is aiming to use the bout to propel himself towards titles in the near future

“I haven’t seen much only a few fights,” he notes of his upcoming opponent.

“I think he’s never won outside of South Africa. After seeing the way Rohan date dismantled him… he’s vulnerable and was exposed.”

“This obviously my first Irish domestic fight and I see it as a very one sided win for me if I’m honest. I’m here to stay.”

“Yes, he’s older and more experienced but I’m more skilful and youthful and powerful and a win against him surely got to push me up the ranking for a Celtic or area title soon.”

“I want to get as many fights as possible within next 12 months. If I keep winning, maybe in he Autumn or early next year fight for Celtic or Area titles. I’m not hear to make up numbers.”

“I’m game and will fight anyone. Just offer the fight and I’ll take it.