Suffolk boxer Anthony Ogogo is determined to emulate the achievements of Anthony Joshua as he mounts yet another comeback from injury this weekend in Glasgow.
Ogogo fights in Scotland tomorrow night on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ WBA super-lightweight fight against Michele Di Rocco, for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery last year.
During Ogogo’s absence from the ring Joshua, who was also part of the Team GB Olympic squad in 2012, has taken the heavyweight division by storm, winning the IBF heavyweight title last month.
Several crippling injuries have deprived Ogogo of the chance of following in Joshua’s footsteps as a professional but the middleweight is far from bitter.
“I don’t think it should be me having that sort of success,” insists Ogogo, who is yet to learn the identity of his opponent on Saturday.
“He (Joshua) has worked so hard to get where he is and fully deserves the success he’s having – I just want it for myself as well.
“Myself and Anthony came through the GB squad together. We often trained together and I’m really proud of his achievements.
“He is inspiring me to get to that same level.”
To say Ogogo has been unfortunate with injuries is an understatement. Two fights in just under two years, due to surgery on both Achilles and his shoulder, is not nearly enough for the 27-year-old to make an impression in the middleweight division.
He has fallen off the radar to some and Ogogo admits it is upsetting when people question whether he is still a boxer.
“It’s understandable because I’ve had so many injuries but it still hurts,” said Ogogo, who appeared on BBC hit show Strictly Come Dancing last year during his rehabilitation from a shoulder operation. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is box. You can take everything else away – I just want to box and be a world title holder.
Ogogo has no worries over the shoulder he dislocated during his fight against Ruslan Schelev last July and feels the fitness problems he has endured have made him a more rounded person.
“The shoulder feels very secure – the surgeon has assured me that it’s not coming out again,” he said. “There’s still a bit of a difference in terms of size compared to my right shoulder but I’m only going to get bigger and stronger from here.
“I’ve never stopped believing and I think all the problems I’ve had have humbled me.
“Training has been hard but I can assure you that it’s a lot harder sitting on the sofa watching the world go by not being able to do anything. I’ve not missed a session since I’ve been back.
“I’m proud that I’m still here. I’ve had two career-threatening injuries but I’m still here and I know that I can go on to win a world title.”
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