Red-hot featherweight, Brooklyn-born and Vegas-residing, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington recently moved to 15-0 (9 KOs). Last month, he had an impressive win with a stoppage of rugged Enrique Vivas, who came in at 23-3 with 12 stoppages. More impressive was that Viva’s only 3 losses were to former title challengers, and he had never been stopped.
Carrington’s Promoter, Top Rank, is keeping him busy, as that was his 4th win in 9 months. And that is fine with him as he wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible. More importantly, he wants to contest for a world title before the year is over.
MaxBoxing caught up with Carrington at Vegas’ Knuckleheads Boxing Gym a few days after his fight. Polite and quick to laugh, his out-of-the-ring demeanour contrasts his intense, laser-focused in-ring personality. In our chat, it was evident that Carrington has his eyes on the prize – that being a world title shot.
“I hope to be back in June or July,” he said. “I’d love to have my next fight be for the title, but the way the other champions have fights lined up, realistically late fall or the end of the year is more likely”, he said. “I want to win a title, then unify and be the first undisputed champion at featherweight,” he said.
While Carrington, who is rated at #1 in 2 organizations, would welcome a shot against any champion, he does have a preference in mind.
“Yes, I think (Britain’s undefeated WBA champ) Nick Ball would be a great, fight for me”, he said. “I think our styles would match up great, although I can adapt to any style and an aggressive guy like him who comes at me is suited to me and would make a great fight.”
Carrington is hopeful that Top Rank can get a deal done this year for a world title shot and says he is more outspoken about calling out champions. And, the fans are demanding he get his shot.
Asked if he would go to England for a title shot, he welcomed the opportunity but would love to win his title at home.
“Of course I’d go anywhere for a title shot”, he said. “But I’d love to win it in New York. Can you imagine winning the title in the big room at Madison Square Garden,” he said. “That would be so exciting. New York crowds are like no other.”
