Maliek Montgomery finds a boxing foothold back at home

Junior lightweight Maliek Montgomery is returning to his Georgia roots, training alongside his father and two brothers, who were instrumental in his rise as one of the top amateurs in the U.S. After competing in various cities, including Las Vegas, Montgomery is back home, determined to take his next forward steps with the same team that put him through his paces early in his career.

Montgomery will return to the ring Friday at the OTE Arena in Atlanta, facing Oscar Bravo in what will be his fourth fight of 2024 and second under the OTX Boxing banner.

Montgomery (18-0, 16 KOs) turned professional in 2017, accompanied by his older brother Michael Jr. and younger brother Mikhail. Despite his successes, the 28-year-old Maliek is still searching for the opportunity that will bring him closer to a world title.

“I’ve been through so many different situations in my professional career, and I feel like I’m a different fighter and person because of those experiences,” Montgomery said. “Some things are just meant to happen, and I feel like what I’ve been through has prepared me for those world championship fights.”

Training in his hometown of Macon, Georgia, has provided Montgomery with a renewed sense of motivation, especially after his last fight with OTX Boxing landed him a spot on a national telecast while also allowing him to fight at home. The experience has left him feeling a bit spoiled.

“I love it,” Montgomery said. “I haven’t fought back home in years, and to have people from my hometown come out and support me means the world to me.”

Working with his father, Michael Sr., as his coach again presents its challenges, but Montgomery values the intensity his father brings to his training. He emphasized the importance of communication in maintaining a healthy dynamic.

“There’s nobody that’s going to push me like my dad does,” Montgomery said. “Communication is key, and despite the little things, we lock in when we’re in the gym and focus on our goal.”

Montgomery’s immediate objective is to enter the conversation about the top fighters in his weight class by the end of the year. But first he’ll have to get past Chile’s 36-year-old Bravo (25-13-1, 11 KOs), a seasoned opponent often used to test up-and-coming fighters.

“We’ve never shied away from a challenge,” Montgomery said. “This is our second fight on OTX this year, and we’re looking to get right back in the ring before the year is out. The focus is on staying active and being in the mix of things.”

Back home and surrounded by familiar faces and unconditional support, Montgomery is eager to put his new zest to good use in the ring.

“Even now, I fight for my family and because I love fighting,” Montgomery said. “Just point me in the right direction, and I’m ready to go.”

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.