Stephen Ormond issues warning to WBO world lightweight champion Jose Pedraza: I'm coming for your new belt
Stephen Ormond is determined to complete a fairytale and win the lightweight world title after climbing off the canvas to outpoint world-ranked George Ashie in Glasgow.
Ormond was felled by the powerful Ghanaian but recovered to return the favour on his way to narrow win on the scorecards – prompting wild scenes of celebration in the ring and in the crowd.
The following night, Jose Pedraza (25-1-KO12) deposed Raymundo Beltran (35-8-1-KO21) to become WBO world champion and has immediately been challenged by the popular Ormond (26-5-KO13).
Ormond said: “I’ve seen Pedraza fight a bit. Now he’s a double world champion so he’s definitely good but I don’t fear him.
“The sooner the better for me. It makes sense for these champions to come out here and fight but I don’t mind where it happens.
“I’ve no fear of any of these champions. I’m just excited to get out there and fight again as soon as possible. I’m eager.
“I don’t know what it is but I’ve always been a hard worker. My mind is now in the game. Mentally I’m in a great place. I believe it’s my destiny to be world champion and with MTK Global I’ll hopefully get the shot.
“I refused to be beaten by Ashie because I know what I’ve got left in me. It’s a new me and I mean that. If I’d listened to people, I’d have given up five years ago. There are fights left in me, let me tell you.
“Pedraza is a champion and I want to fight him. Congratulations to him on his new belt but don’t get too comfortable in it because I’m coming for it.”