Akeem Ennis-Brown believes victory over Sam Maxwell is one step on his journey to creating the legacy he desires in boxing.
After a fiery build-up, Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will settle his grudge with Maxwell at the Utilita Arena on Saturday, live on BT Sport.
The 25-year-old added the British super lightweight title to his Commonwealth crown with a decision win over Phillip Bowes in December and has ambitions of being remembered amongst the greats.
“Fulfilling myself as one of the greatest fighters ever,” Ennis-Brown said to proboxing-fans.com on Thursday when asked about his goals.
“And leave the sport with a good legacy.
“I always say it, there’s nothing better than being able to live forever, but you can’t do that, so the second best thing is to be remembered forever.
“So, that’s what I’d like to do.”
The pair were scheduled to fight in March, however Ennis-Brown withdrew through injury.
Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs), a standout amateur heads into the clash undefeated in 15 professional bouts and holding the WBO European belt.
The Liverpool man is ranked at #10 with the WBO behind undisputed champion, Josh Taylor yet ‘Riiddy’ does not believe his rival has done enough to warrant his position.
“Yes he’s got a world ranking,” the Gloucester man added.
“But what has he done to get that world ranking? Who has he really beat?
“I’m sure anybody who gets the WBO European title can get a world ranking, really and truly.
“I’ve beat people who have been world ranked many times and I haven’t got a world ranking. I’ve beat undefeated fighters, I’ve defended international titles and I ain’t got a ranking.
“I guess it’s all a case of if you’ve got a certain promoter or your face fits, you get a ranking.
“I just want to beat good fighters.”
The rivals came face-to-face for the final time before fight night at Friday’s weigh-in and the Gloucester man insists he is prepared to win by any means necessary.
Asked for his prediction, he added: “However god decides for me to win it.
A smiling @AkeemEnnisBrown is met with a glare full of fury from @SamMaxwell88 at the weigh-in face-off 😤
These two are raring to go. When the first bell rings both men are all in 🔥#EnnisBrownMaxwell | Tomorrow | BT Sport 1 HD, 7.30pm. pic.twitter.com/JlMn52I1rI
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) August 27, 2021
“I just know he’s got it planned for me to win.
“Whether that’s me punching him up all night or whether I stop him or whether his corner pulls him out makes him quit, it could be any way it doesn’t really matter.
“But I just know I’m going to be victorious by the end of the night.”
Watch the full interview with Akeem Ennis-Brown below:
