Paterson’s Ossie Duran (24-8-2, 9 KO’s) has fought all over the world and few of his bouts have been easy. The Ghanaian shared the squared circle with top notch opponents in James Kirkland, Fernando Guerrero, David Lopez, Eromosele Albert, Bradley Price and Jamie Moore among others. Outside of a draw against Albert, and knockout over Moore, Duran lost debatable decisions against the aforementioned world rated bunch. Sadly, he had little backing from the fans and was mostly unpromoted throughout.
“It’s very hard”, Duran said about fighting close bouts in his opponent’s hometown. “If you don’t knock him out, the decision isn’t going to (go your way).”
At age 32, Duran is poised to turn things around. Since relocating to Paterson two years ago, he has been managed by well respected Oakland native Vinny Scolpino (who guided fellow Ghanaians Joshua Clottey and Joseph Agbeko to high profile fights and world titles) and trained by fellow Patersonian Aroz “Terrific” Gist. Things didn’t initially go smooth, with decision losses to Lopez and Guerrero in addition to the Albert draw, but he considers himself to be entering a new chapter.
In his last bout on February 27, he entered a familiar territory; his opponent’s hometown. Unlike in the majority of fights in his counterpart’s backyard, Duran wasn’t shorted by the judges and earned a four round shut out decision over local favorite Jamaal Davis in AC.
“I knew I beat him from start to finish” “There was no way they could have robbed me here (this time) since I won so clearly."
Against Davis, he had some support in the crowd, as members of Ike & Randy’s boxing gym where he trains helped sell tickets to locals. Much to his surprise, Duran got a call to fight June 4 in Philadelphia, where he plans to move tickets once again.
“I want to get the crowd behind me”, Duran stated emphatically. “I had people to support me (against Davis so) I am trying to get the fans to continue to back me."
His opponent is expected to be announced shortly. More details, such as which weight the bout is at, rounds and ticket information will follow.
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