Forbes set for career re-launch

By Paul Upham: IBF super-featherweight champion Steve Forbes, 20-1 (5), is the latest boxer to sign with high profile manager James Prince, hoping that the successful rap producer can bring more activity to his career.
“He gets things done. I’ve seen that with the other guys he manages. I hear very good things about him,” said Forbes of his new manager, who also guides the careers of Floyd Mayweather Jr, Winky Wright and Bones Adams.

Forbes has made only one defence of the title he won in December 2000 against John Brown, defeating the same opponent in a rematch over 12 rounds in September 2001. He blames promoter America Presents for his inactivity during his title reign. With Cedric Kushner taking over the co-promotional duties now, Forbes is hoping to make a number of television defences this year.

“Now that Cedric Kushner will be taking over the promotions, hopefully that will make it better,” he said. “I’m looking at fighting again in June. I’ve wanted to be active, it’s not me. The problem was with the promoters.”

Forbes turned professional in December 1996 after a 67 fight career as an amateur. His only loss as a professional was a disputed decision to Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez over 12 rounds in California in March 2000.

With Floyd Mayweather Jr moving up to lightweight, Forbes feels that he is the most skilful boxer in the super-featherweight division and was not impressed with Acelino Freitas’ win over Joel Casamayor in January to unify the WBO and WBA titles.

“I think they both looked a little amateurish and I wasn’t really impressed at all. Me being a boxer and looking at technique and skills, I didn’t see anything that is threatening to me. The fight was a close one, but neither guy didn’t really do much,” said 25-year-old Forbes.

“I can take advantage with my counter-punching and I don’t get weaker in fights. I get stronger as the rounds go on. As far as skills are concerned, I do see myself on top. I’m not a puncher, but I punch hard enough to keep guys off. I think as the most skilled guy, I would definitely put myself there.”

Forbes, who lives in Las Vegas, but calls Portland, Oregon his hometown, currently has no No.1 contender for his title after Lamont Pearson’s shock loss to Orlando Salido on March 22 on points over 10 rounds.

“I didn’t feel like he was a No.1 calibre fighter honestly,” said Forbes. “A lot of people made a big deal of him being No.1 after beating Carlos Navarro who was a 122 pounder. He wasn’t ready to fight for a title.”

Forbes is training with great enthusiasm for his return to the ring and is hoping that Cedric Kushner can find some activity for this 130-pounder amongst his now even larger stable of heavyweights following his acquisition of America Presents boxers.

“I want to stay busy. A boxer like myself has to stay busy more often,” said Forbes. “I would like to fight Casamayor, Freitas, Jesus Chavez and Carlos Hernandez, all the top guys. I would like to fight Casamayor now and that may be my next fight. We are trying to work on that right now.”


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor