Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (19-0, 10 KOs) will be stepping up for the biggest fight of his career thus far on Friday, July 17th, facing unbeaten Russian Arif Magomedov (15-0, 9 KOs) in the co-feature bout of Shobox from the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA.
“I think this is the first fight where I have been truly doing my homework on my opponent,” Webster stated. “I have been really focused on preparation for this fight and doing everything the appropriate way. I’m treating this fight like it’s a world championship fight. I know what comes after this, and I know that I deserve it. I don’t want to miss any of God’s blessings that He has in store for me. Right now, we’re training twice a day, beginning with our first workout at 5:00 AM. This camp is already something that I have never known. My trainer, Denny Brown, is pushing me to the max. I believe in everything he says, so I am doing everything that I am told to do. If Denny wants me there at three o’clock in the morning, then I am going to be there at three o’clock in the morning.”
Webster and his trainer have been together throughout his entire professional career, and the two have an unbreakable bond that translates to the ring. Webster has always done what has been asked of him by Brown, which is the main reason that the duo has been so successful together.
“Denny has a whole new focus right now,” Webster continued. “He doesn’t allow anyone to bother me in the gym, and he doesn’t want to be bothered himself. When we’re not in the gym together, we’re on the phone talking about the fight. He stays on top of me even when it comes to what I’m eating and drinking. He knows that I’m not a clubber or anything like that, so he knows he doesn’t have to worry about any kind of street life with me. He’s been doing everything to keep me on track so I can remain mentally prepared for this fight.”
In Magomedov, Webster is facing another representative from the recent wave of Russians who have moved their home base to the United States. Magomedov is currently ranked #2 in the WBA, #8 in the WBC and #6 in the WBO. With those types of world rankings, Webster fully understands how much a win over Magomedov would elevate his career and put him on the quick path to a chance at winning a world title.
“I’m going into this fight intelligently,” Webster concluded. “I’m not looking for a big knockout unless the opportunity presents itself. I’m just looking to go in there and be exciting so the world knows what they’ve been missing. We talked to Main Events a few times in the past (who signed Magomedov earlier this month), so I’m also looking to let them know why they should’ve signed me when they had a chance.”
