When I first caught a glimpse of Ike Quartey in the 90’s I was instantly drawn to his style. The man known as ‘Bazooka’ had tremendous physical strength, plenty of power, a ramrod jab, and a relentless nature that couldn’t help but make for good fights. I became a fan and watched as he chased his ring dreams, hoping he would one day score the defining win I knew he was capable of.
Quartey’s career was on a solid path but layoffs mixed with heartbreaking decision losses to Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas would leave a slightly sour note to his career. Following his loss to Vargas in April of 2000, Quartey seemed to vanish from the sport of boxing and I wondered if he would ever come back.
After years of hoping, Ike’s fans were thrilled to hear that he was making a comeback campaign in 2005 with his new promoter Lou DiBella. There was some rust to shake off but it’s safe to say that Quartey has definitely gotten back to his winning ways, with his most recent score being this past Saturday in Las Vegas as he carved up Carlos Bojorquez on HBO Pay Per View for a 10th round TKO. 2006 promises to see Quartey again engaging on an elite level and that is nothing but good news for our often suffering sport.
I was able to catch up with Ike recently to get his thoughts on his comeback, his goals for the rest of his career, his friendships with his fellow fighters, and most importantly the love he feels from his fans.
Inside the ropes Saturday night (12/03/2005)in Vegas…
‘Everything went real well. I really like fighting in Las Vegas and it was great to go back there and get the win. I went behind my jab and everything came off of that. I worked real hard for this fight. I’m not just a fighter; I’m also a boxer. I can do anything when I get inside of the ropes.
Ready…
‘I am ready for the big names. I would like to fight Oscar de la Hoya again. We asked Shane Mosley but he said ‘no’. He wasn’t ready to fight me. I don’t see myself fighting a guy like Ricardo Mayorga. I don’t know where comes from, acting like he does.
His promoter Lou Dibella…
‘I’ve known Lou Dibella for a long time. I like what he represents in the sport. I liked him from the minute I met him and I feel that I can truly trust him. I think that he’s good for boxing.
A strong will…
‘I was born in Accra, Ghana. Even before I got into boxing I was a fighter. I got into a lot of street fights and that gave me a strong will. I got into fights over everything; just defending what I believed in towards life in general. It made me stronger as a person.
Given a gift…
‘I could always fight, it was just a matter of turning from street fighting to boxing. I was given the tools to work with and I decided to put them to use. I was given a gift and I truly love fighting.
Coming to America…
’I like America. I was out in France fighting for quite a while but I was finally able to start fighting in the United States on a regular basis and I got a good feel for it. I love New York especially. In New York there is always something going on and always a lot of people to show you support.
Knowing Roy Jones…
‘I have a very good relationship with Roy Jones Jr. I first met Roy at the Olympics in Seoul, Korea. After I got back from France I would train down in Florida and I would see Roy everyday. We always have had a great level of respect for each other.
God…
‘I have a great relationship with God. It doesn’t matter what situation you are in, whether you are rich or poor, God will always love you.
Nothing compares…
‘Outside of boxing I am also a businessman and I own two hotels. I enjoy the business side of things but I love fighting. There is nothing that compares to it.
Meant to be…
‘I had a very close relationship with my parents. I remember they always tried to show me the better way of life. They tried to teach me discipline and put a lot of emphasis on going to school, but deep down I always wanted to be a fighter. I knew it’s what I was meant to be.
Everything I ever wanted…
‘Winning the WBA title was a great feeling, one of the definite high points of my career. I scored a knockout against a very dangerous champion and I was very, very happy. In life you have to sacrifice to get what you want and winning a championship was everything I ever wanted.
Knowing Winky Wright…
‘I met Winky Wright when I was over in France and I consider him a friend. We used to train at the same gym but never really worked together. He’s a southpaw but I do feel that he got some of his style off of me. I think he’s a very good fighter and that him and I would make for a great fight.
To the fans…
‘I got a lot of love from my fans and I just want them to keep on praying and supporting me. I told them I would come back when I was ready. I am for sure that I will do what I told them and what I promised them, which is to become a world champion. They give me the hope that I need to push on with my career and they support everything I do. I thank them all.
**Special thanks to Blake Maxey with Cirillo World Public Relations for help with this one on one.
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2005
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INTERVIEW By Chris Robinson (December 12, 2005)
