Owen Cartridge lays out his expectations ahead of his upcoming title fight at Golden Ticket Fight Promotion 22 this Saturday in Wolverhampton.
The K.K Steelmill will play host to amateur and professional mixed martial arts action on June 3rd. Tickets and the pay-per-view live stream can be purchased directly from the promotion’s website.
Ahead of his heavyweight title fight with Jahmel Westcarr, we had the chance to catch up with a prepared Owen Cartridge, who aims to add another finish to his resume. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Owen Cartridge
Owen, it’s fight week, and you’re all set to make the walk again this year. How are you feeling physically and mentally following yours after the iMMAFs earlier in the year?
I’m feeling good in both my physical and mental health after the rollercoaster week in Serbia.
Talk me through the IMMAF, the experience as a whole, how you felt, and how you assess your performances looking back.
That was my second IMMAF tournament. My first was the Europeans in September, which was only my second fight, where I lost in the second round. Going into the world championships, I was more confident and felt more prepared for the tournament style of fighting. First, fight, I made a few errors which led me to lose the first two rounds, my corner told me I needed to finish him to win the fight and make it into the quarterfinals, so I’m the third. That’s what I did with that rear-leg head kick. Quarterfinals, I was just beaten by a better, more experienced fighter, and that’s that.
Finally, closing on the IMMAFs. What does it mean to you to be able to represent your nation against some of the best amateurs in the world?
It means the world to me. I love being able to do so. I’m a proud Englishman. Using the platform is a great way to have guaranteed fights and, like you say, against the best amateurs in the world.
Golden Ticket Fight Promotions has been a happy hunting ground for you in the past. How much do you love competing on the show, and can we expect a third victory for you on Saturday night under the GTFP banner?
GTFP is one of the best shows, if not the best, in the UK, from the production, to the matchmaking and to the fighter/promoter relationship. With the show being in my home town, it’s a great feeling to showcase my ability in front of people who I know and love. I’ve worked very hard during this camp. I haven’t prepared to lose.
Owen Cartridge on GTFP 22
For those who haven’t watched you compete before. How would you sell it to them? What can you expect to see when you put on the gloves and step inside the cage?
Explosive and elusive in striking, but we’ve been working hard on the other aspects of the game, so people shouldn’t be fooled and have me down as just a striker.
On Saturday, you’ll face Jahmel Westcarr for the amateur heavyweight title. Has this camp been altered in any way, given there’s a title on the line, or have things been kept the same as always?
Not really. Things have mainly stayed the same. I feel for a heavyweight, my gas tank is good, and I know that I’ve got five good rounds in me if I need them.
Your opponent Jahmel is coming back after a five-year lay-off. How much do you feel that’s going to play a factor on the night, given his lack of activity as opposed to you being busy?
I’m not looking too much into that. I believe he’ll still have been training for a while before this fight was agreed. Obviously, with how active I’ve been these last nine months, there’s plenty for him to go and watch, so he’ll have made a game plan on my active game, but as I said, I’m not too concerned about what he’s going to be doing, I know what I want to do.
Talking Opposition
With that in mind, have you watched any tape of his previous fights, and can you take anything away from fights that were 5+ years ago?
Yes, I’ve sat down with my head coach and some of the lads whoever been involved in my camp, and we’ve analysed his fights but keeping in mind that his game may well have changed during his time of being inactive.
Those apprehensive about tuning in and buying tickets for GTFP 22. Why should they come in, and what can they expect from you on the night?
GTFP always is a great showing of top-level amateur and pro fights. Anyone who follows me knows my style and what I’m about, but they can expect a mature performance from me on the night.
Finally, to close out, leave us with your official fight prediction.
I don’t think the judges will be needed during this heavyweight title fight. I believe that I add another finish to my record on Saturday night.
