Bell on the assault in opposition to Mark Barnaldez. Picture by Mikey Williams/ High Rank
Like a number of boxing followers this Saturday, Albert Bell will likely be watching the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez struggle.
Bell will likely be combating the winner, ultimately, and believes that the belt will go round his waist, regardless who the winner is.
The southpaw Bell, within the meantime, has enterprise to care for tonight, as he squares off in opposition to Presco Carcosia on the Time beyond regulation Elite Area in Atlanta, Georgia. The eight-round bout will headline a card that can stream reside on DAZN (7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT).
Bell (23-0, 6 knockouts), who’s rated No. 10 by The Ring at 130 kilos, was victorious in his final bout on August 11, defeating William Encarnacion by unanimous determination in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. He will likely be a part of the brand new Time beyond regulation Boxing sequence that debuted final Friday, which is able to run on 4 consecutive Fridays in August. Time beyond regulation is greatest identified for its basketball league, that includes prime highschool and collegiate-age gamers.
Time beyond regulation Boxing consists of distinctive options of their fights, together with bonuses to the winner for knockout victories within the opening and last rounds of every struggle. Ought to the struggle be declared a draw on the scorecards, a bonus spherical would happen to find out the winner.
Bell is appreciative of the chance to carry out on a brand new platform.
“I’m very motivated,” Bell advised The Ring Thursday morning. “I really like combating at house, but it surely’s at all times nice to have a change of surroundings too and construct fan bases.”
The 30-year-old Bell is at the moment rated No. 2 by The WBO. He’s subsequent in line to face the winner of the Navarrete-Valdez struggle. Navarrete is making the primary protection of the WBO title he gained on February 3 in opposition to Liam Wilson.
Bell is assured he has the type to face and defeat both Navarrete or Valdez.
“To be sincere, I don’t know who wins,” stated Bell, who’s promoted by Vick Inexperienced. “I believe it’s a 50-50 struggle between these guys. I believe I’ve the proper type to match up in opposition to each of them to get the job and take over that (WBO) world title (belt).”
Bell was as soon as promoted by High Rank, however each amicably break up in August 2021, reportedly after not one of the prime junior light-weight fighters High Rank wished to face Bell. At 6’0” and with an extended attain, some fighters view Bell as a excessive threat, low reward struggle.
That doesn’t hassle Bell, who believes so long as he continues profitable, prime contenders should be mandated to face him in world title elimination fights or world titleholders should defend their belt in opposition to him.
“I imagine it’s a curse and a blessing,” stated Bell. “It’s a testomony to the kind of fighter I’m. My skill-set and my capacity (of) what I can do within the ring, however it’s irritating at instances. That’s all behind us now and we’re seeking to put our greatest foot ahead and develop into (a) world champion inside my subsequent struggle or after that.
“I really feel I’m completely one of the best at 130 kilos. I really feel like I’ve been one of the best at 130 kilos for the previous few years. The rationale I really feel like that’s I really feel just like the proof is within the pudding. If I wasn’t, I’d be simple pickings for somebody to get my report on theirs. They know the danger that they take by getting within the ring with me. As soon as I do get these guys within the ring, I’ll present why I’ve been prevented for thus lengthy.”
Bell is on the cusp of combating for a world title belt. Carcosia (11-2-1, 9 KOs), who resides in Basic Santos Metropolis within the Philippines, stands in his manner. The 27-year-old Carcosia defeated Arnel Baconaje by split-decision in his final bout on February 26.
Whereas demonstrating a stable skill-set and willingness to face the highest fighters, Bell is grateful he has arrived at this level in his profession. He can not wait to struggle for a world title belt and present what he’s actually able to.
“I’m very excited. I imagine it’s lengthy overdue. It’s been a very long time coming. I’m lastly about to get what I really feel I deserve and it’s an exquisite time for boxing and my profession.
“I need to be in a world title struggle.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]