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Rashidi Ellis: ‘If I have to fight Terence Crawford or Errol Spence…I’m ready’

Rashidi Ellis stops Eddie Gomez in one round. Photo by Tom Hogan-HoganPhotos / GBP
Fighters Network
12
Nov

Rashidi Ellis has never been one to deliver long speeches. The welterweight contender is comfortable allowing his hands to do most of the talking while getting to the point.

In an interview with The Ring Thursday morning, Ellis didn’t miss a beat.

“If I have to fight Terence Crawford or Errol Spence to prove that I’m the top dog, I’m ready,” Ellis stated. “I belong with the best in the division.”

Ellis will probably have to face a more significant name before a fight of that magnitude comes to fruition. But fellow unbeaten welterweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs), who like Ellis is promoted by Golden Boy, likely wants to rein in on his ambitions.



The 27-year-old from Lynn, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, added that Ortiz is also on his radar.

“I want that fight. I’ve been asking for that fight,” he added. “I don’t see why that fight can’t happen.”

Ellis (23-0, 14 knockouts) is fresh off a one-sided unanimous decision over previously undefeated prospect Alexis Rocha last month in California.

His performance was the epitome of the sweet science, as he nailed Rocha at will and was seldom touched during their 12-round bout.

Ellis knows what he’s up against. Boxing is a business, and it is unlikely a company will pit some of their brightest talents against each other so early in their respective careers.

But Ellis stressed that he is willing to face Ortiz, but will the latter’s team be reluctant to make the fight happen?

“I can’t speak for them, but what I can say is that I’m here, and I’m ready.

“It doesn’t matter at this point, I’ll fight the winner of Errol Spence-Danny Garcia.”

Spence (26-0, 21 KOs), the IBF/WBC welterweight titlist, will meet former two-division titleholder Danny Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) December 5 in a FOX Sports/PBC pay-per-view showdown (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“I just want to fight them now and get it over with,” Ellis added. “I want to get all the belts.”

Ellis, who sparred eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in preparation for the Filipino’s much-hyped 2015 mega fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., is also motivated to take care of his loved ones, including his son.

“Taking care of my family and friends is a constant motivating factor for me,” Ellis said. “You need a solid team behind you.

“Boxing is a challenge, but it’s a challenge that I enjoy. I’m going to become a world champion.”

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