Excitement machine, Floyd Masson will defend his IBO Cruiserweight title on September 9 in Brisbane - Image: ACE Boxing Group/Instagram
Having marched through 12 rounds of hell to capture the IBO World Cruiserweight title, Floyd Masson (13-0, 7 KOs) has no plans on relinquishing his crown anytime soon.
In one of the most brutal fights seen in Australia in recent times, the Queensland based Kiwi dug deep to win a decision over Italy’s Fabio Turchi (21-3, 15 KOs) in April.
Now, he is ready to walk into the fire again, this time defending his title against Belgian Yves Ngabu (21-2, 15 KOs) in Brisbane on September 9.
While some fighters have been happy to rest on their accomplishments, Masson has kept his foot on the accelerator.
Speaking at the ACE Boxing Group press conference, the titlist detailed his frame of mind since winning the belt earlier this year.
“Nothing’s really changed, to be honest,” Masson said.
“I was straight back training, getting into my running and all that, so I was fit before I started camp. Then, pretty much, I was straight back into camp getting ready for this fight.
“It’s (Turchi bout) just given me more motivation and hunger to keep winning.”
In readying himself for the threat Ngabu posses, self-reflection has been key for the 31 year old.
While physical conditioning formed a central part of Masson’s Colorado based training camp, so too did the mental side of fighting.
Of this, maintaining the discipline required to win at the highest level has been integral to preparations.
“I’ve been so disciplined in camp and same in sparring,” Masson told.
“I haven’t been doing what I usually do. If I take a good shot, I don’t trade with the person, I’ve been boxing smart, working really hard.
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“I always think that at the end of the day in camps, you’ve got to do two things; make sacrifices, work hard.
“I’ve made my sacrifices in camp, I’ve worked harder than ever and it’s going to pay off on the night.”
Although the triumph of IQ over instinct remains the aim, Masson concedes that there is potential for fireworks on the night. With two combatants proven to lay everything on the line coming together, this should come as no surprise.
Regardless of the version of Ngabu turns up, Masson knows a hungry contender is a dangerous one. Just one fight ago, he was in the same position.
Still, the champion has total faith in his ability to take the fight.
With the perfect concoction of discipline, aggression, hunger and experience, he believes the belt will remain around his waist.
“If anyone’s watched him fight and watched me fight, they know they’re in for a good fight,” he concluded.
“I know how hard and how much I wanted to win the title, so I’m pretty sure he’ll have that same sort of hunger.
“He’s coming to fight, I’m coming to fight, so it’s just whoever’s going to execute their game plan on the night and whoever wants it more at the end of the day.
“I’ve dedicated my life to this sport. There’s a lot that I’m fighting for.”
Floyd Masson vs Yves Ngabu headlines ACE Boxing Group’s September 9 event and will be available exclusively on YouTube. To watch, click here.
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