17.07.04 – Carlos Kalinchuk: As part of an effort to exploit undefeated Jr. Middleweight Ahmed “Baby Face” Kaddour’s talents, the 17-0 Kaddour will be featured in an 8 rounder on tonights televised Laila Ali under card in Maryland. Obviously, if Kaddour wins, he’ll begin to be featured on much larger fight cards. Because of his current Promotional Company, American Television has really eluded him thus far. But as luck would have it, it appears his current European promoter is going through major financial troubles so his contract may end soon enough. Consequently, because of this current agreement, very few know him here in the US but he’s anxious to separate himself from his old promoter and begin to fight in what he considers the greatest country in the world.
Kaddour on America…
“I love America because the Europeans never accepted me. They saw me as an outsider. Over here there’s Spanish people and other people and they’ve made it and I’m better looking than them so I know I can make it too. There are racists over there too. They still don’t accept people with dark skin or non-Anglo names. Even after the war in Germany-it’s awful. If you fight over there and some guy named Brian is fighting a guy named Ahmed they go crazy for him and they hate the other guy. The guy could have like an 18-18 record and they’ll cheer him like he’s great and he’ll make so much more money than the dark guy with the different name will make peanuts. It’ not right. But, I’m the best and I know that. So I’m wearing American shoes, shorts, and robe for this fight.”
Kaddour on his opponent…
He will be fighting a fighter who’s 27-2 but outside of his opponents record, he could care less about his opponents intentions in the ring or his name. “The guy I’m fighting is pretty good but he’s never fought anybody. I don’t even know his name but he’s 27-2 but he’s never been with anybody especially somebody like me,” said Ahmed.
Kaddour on training for this fight…
“I’ve been working very hard for this fight. I haven’t had sex for like a month and a half and that has to be a record! Before I would still do it 2-3 weeks before a fight but I haven’t jacked off or anything for this fight so I’m going to beat him bad! I’ve been living serious and that kids’ going to be in trouble. I’m in great shape and if I knock him out early, I’m going right back in the ring in August. I don’t want to waste any time. I want to buy my house and my car and show the world that they have a world champion coming on. If this fight is tougher than I expect then it will be harder for him because I’ve been training harder than anybody. I’m running 6-8 miles per day and I’m ready. I’ve gone 80 rounds for this fight and I’m not going for the knockout but I expect to go a beautiful great and excellent fight and I thank James Prince and Rap-a lot for making this happen and making sure I got on TV. ”
Kaddour on his life outside boxing…
“I’ve met modeling company’s and they want me to work for them but my career is more important but I’ve been asked to do a spot in a movie but my career comes first. It can’t be more than two days if I do it.”
Kaddour on his trainer…
“Virgil Hunt is my trainer and he’s got some fighters that are going to the Olympics so he’s very qualified and that’s who I’m working with.”
Stay Tuned For More on My Interview with Ahmed “Baby Face” Kaddour!!!
Carlos “Stiff-jab” Kalinchuk
Contributing Writer & Photographer