Commey with trainer Carl Lokko. Photo: Streetwise Management

Richard Commey (24-0, 22 KOs) will meet Robert Easter Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) for the vacant IBF lightweight title on Sept. 9 at the Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Commey, who is rated No. 7 by THE RING at 135 pounds, has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to fight for the IBF belt and, with a date and venue now confirmed, the undefeated 29-year-old says he is ready to fulfil his destiny.

“It feels great to be finally fighting for a world title and come fight night I will be fully prepared, come what may,”  says the former Commonwealth champion, who is currently in Accra training alongside coach Carl Lokko at the Bronx Boxing Gym.

“This opportunity means everything to me, (after) all the hard work my team and I have put in over the last six years. This is what we started out to achieve and, when I win, it will be a great feeling to know we have reached our goal.”

Standing in Commey’s way is the 25-year-old Ohio-native Easter Jr., who has earned his shot at world honors with a series of impressive KO victories, including a show stealing fifth-round stoppage of Argenis Mendez, last April, in Washington.

“I think he’s a very good boxer and I have the upmost respect for him as I do all my opponents, but that won’t count for nothing as soon as the first bell rings,” says Commey. ‘’Patience is the key, and as long as I stay focused and listen to my corner I’ll be fine.

“Of course, I would have preferred the fight to be in Ghana in front of my own fans but it wasn’t to be. However, I’m undefeated in America so I have no problems going back and with God’s blessing, I know I will win.”

Manager Michael Amoo-Bediako has recently returned from Ghana where he had been watching Commey train, and admits he has been impressed with what he has seen.

“Richard looks in tremendous shape and was very sharp in sparring,’’ says Amoo-Bediako. ‘’He is totally focus on winning this title and bringing it home to Ghana. I also had time to speak to his trainer Carl Lokko and he told me everything is going according to plan and come fight night Richard will be ready for whatever Easter Jr. brings to the table.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says he is confident Commey can overcome Easter Jr. and join his hometown heroes such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, David Kotei and Joshua Clottey in bringing the belt back to Accra.

“This fight has been a long time coming,’’ says Sauerland. ‘’Richard is the most avoided fighter in the lightweight division but now the time has come for him to bring the world title home. Ghana has a rich history of producing elite level fighters and Richard is ready to take his place among them as the county’s next world champion.”

Information provided courtesy of Sauerland Promotions

Tom Gray is a UK Correspondent/ Editor for RingTV.com and a member of THE RING ratings panel.  Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing