Chris Colbert: Nothing that Jaime Arboleda has is enough to defeat me
Junior lightweight contender Chris Colbert exemplifies nothing short of confidence. Aside of putting together an unbeaten record, Colbert also exudes an image of being flashy, a showman and wanting to be a superstar in the sport.
While Colbert still has a way to go to becoming the best fighter at 130 pounds, he envisions himself fighting and beating two of the best fighters in the division.
Colbert will face Jaime Arboleda, of Panama, Saturday night, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The 12-round bout will headline a three-bout Showtime telecast (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
The unbeaten Colbert (14-0, 5 knockouts), who resides in Brooklyn, New York, most recently fought on January 18, dropping former WBA titleholder Jezzrel Corrales once before winning a unanimous decision. The victory over Corrales took place almost four months after knocking out former title challenger Miguel Beltran in their opening round.
Like Colbert, Arboleda is a solid contender who hopes to shine on Saturday night. In his most recent bout on February 8, Arboleda (16-1, 13 KOs), who now resides in Miami, Florida, overcame a knockdown in Round 12 to defeat Jayson Velez, of Puerto Rico, by split decision in a close fight some had Velez winning. Arboleda has won his last six fights since a knockout loss to Recky Dulay in July 2017.
Colbert believes Arboleda has already lost before entering the ring on Saturday night.
“He already has two losses on his record,” Colbert told The Ring over the phone, Tuesday night. (Editor’s note: As aforementioned, Arboleda has only one loss on his professional record.) “I’m not overlooking him. He’s a great fighter. He has a great record for a reason but nothing that he has is enough to defeat me.”
After a stellar amateur career, Colbert turned pro in May 2015. Colbert has displayed more power and aggression in recent fights, having knocked out two of his last four opponents.
Chris Colbert’s (left) combinations weren’t as memorable as his color-coordination but the junior lightweight from New York dominated the scorecards in a 10-rounder against former titleholder Jezzrel Corrales. (Photo by Stephanie Trapp)
Whether it is with quickness, an improving skill-set or sitting down on his punches, Colbert believes he can defeat his opponents in a variety of ways.
“I believe I can utilize every tool in the book and beat anyone a different way,” said Colbert, who fought four times last year. “It all depends on what the other opponent brings to the table. I feel I’m prepared for anything and it’s hard for them to prepare for me. I have all those tools.”
Colbert is hoping to become a more solid contender next year. He is not ranked yet by The Ring but believes it will be matter of time before he will be.
The 24-year-old does have his eyes set on two fighters at 130 pounds whom he hopes to fight.
“Shakur Stevenson and [WBA titleholder] Gervonta Davis,” replied Colbert. “Those are the two fights I want. Both are superstars at 130 pounds. Davis has tremendous power but I have the equalizer for that. I feel there are a lot of great champions in the division but I believe I’m special too.”
Colbert also believes in entertaining and providing a show for boxing fans each time he fights. He is grateful for having fought on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) platforms, whether on Showtime, FOX or FS1.
Colbert hopes his ability in the ring and his persona continue to attract fans.
“I’m an outspoken guy. That’s just me. I speak what I mean. I know I’m that guy and I’m going to always continue being that guy. I’m ‘Primetime.’ [Other fighters] are not. I’m a showman and a superstar.
“I believe I’m a fighter and champion. I prove it to myself and win. In 14 fights, I’m fighting in front of audiences [on big platforms]. I count my blessings.”
Chris Colbert-Jaime Arboleda moved to December 12 on Showtime
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October of 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @FSalazarBoxing.
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