“I coulda had class, I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody.”
Malloy’s perception as a fighter, and his own perception of himself, was forever damaged because he chose the road more traveled. Although he had the talent, he never became a legitimate world title contender, while the opponents he “danced” with and carried, did.
Jesse Brinkley is no washed up pug from the streets, but his obsession of being a world title contender matches that of Terry Malloy. The difference with Brinkley - the journey is not yet over.
The 35 year old Nevadan has entered the ring 41 times, successful in 35 of those fights. Not only is he an older fighter by age, but the odometer on him as a boxer has steadily increased. A classic boxer-puncher, Brinkley has been in some wars in recent years. He has boxed 218 rounds - some of those rounds have been spent slugging it out with the likes of Curtis Stevens and Lucian Bute. Brinkley feels that he is at the top of his game, but knows that there is not a lot of time left.
“We don’t have time to rebuild. That’s why you have to take a fight with a top guy like Quillin.”
Brinkley is referring to his upcoming April 29th bout against undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (23-0, 17 Kos). The fight is scheduled for ten rounds and is for the IBO USBO super-middleweight championship.
“I need this type of fight. If I beat Quillin, that can position me to another world title shot. I want to fight for a world title again. There is a lot on the line for me in this fight.”
Brinkley’s last fight still haunts him. Last October he fought super-middleweight king, Lucian Bute (28-0, 23 KOs) in Montreal, Canada. There, he had a taste of the top of the mountain. For nine rounds, the championship of the world was within his grasp.
“I know I was an underdog, but I never imagined I would lose that fight. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I have to be back at that level.”
Brinkley is still a top ten ranked super-middleweight, a legitimate contender, but his performance against Quillin will decide if another world title shot is in his future.
“Brinkley vs. Quillin” will be held at the Reno Events Center in Downtown Reno. The fight will be televised on Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo series. Check local listings. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or by visiting the Silver Legacy or Reno Events Center box office during hours of operation. Prices are $33.25, $63.25, and $103.25. Doors open at 6pm, first bell at 7pm. The card is being presented by Don Chargin Productions, Golden Boy Promotions, Let’s Get It On Promotions, PR Entertainment, The Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and The Circus Circus Hotel Casino.
All bouts subject to change.
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