Trainer Mark DeLuca knows junior welterweight Mike Ohan Jnr’s reality in the ring. Two obvious options exist for the Massachusetts boxer: he can fight hand-picked local opponents for little reward, or he can take on top-tier talent, often with more experience and backing than he has.
On Saturday at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, Ohan will try his luck at a third option: a competitive matchup against regional ticket-seller Bryce Mills of Liverpool, New York.
Known as “The Bad Man,” Ohan, 19-3 (9 KOs), aims to rebound from his second-round TKO loss to lauded, unbeaten rising star Abdullah Mason. Ohan’s setback snapped a three-fight win streak that began after his December 2022 defeat to 2020 U.S. Olympian Delante “Tiger” Johnson. The 16-1 (5 KOs) Mills, meanwhile, is on a 10-fight win streak since taking the only loss of his career to Ryan Pino in 2021 by split decision. Both Northeastern fighters are seeking significant opportunities in the future, but first, they have something to prove.
“Bryce is tough – he’s a scrappy little fighter and comes with a full tank of gas,” said DeLuca. “Mike’s been training alongside Abraham, and he’s been putting in the work. Hopefully, he can put the memory of that Abdullah Mason loss behind him.”
Ohan has typically fought either brutal opponents like Mason and Johnson or easy foes at home, without a lot in between. But this time, DeLuca sees an opening. “Up until now, it was either you fight some scrub or you fight Abdullah Mason or Tiger Johnson—there were no 50/50, winnable fights with a decent paycheck. After Abdullah, Mike got right back in the gym, and then this Bryce Mills fight came up. He was ready to take it.”
Physically, the 30-year-old Ohan is still in form, DeLuca notes, but questions linger about his passion for the sport. “He’s been sparring tons, still sharp. But I don’t know if that fire’s still burning like it was two or three years ago. He’s got the skills, and he’s very game: gets hit with one, wants to return with three. But if he loses, it might be discouraging.”
Despite tough losses, Ohan hasn’t suffered extensive wear and tear. “With Tiger and Abdullah, he didn’t take a beating. He got stopped on his feet, but he’s as fresh as he can be at 30 with 22 fights,” DeLuca said.
DeLuca also sees the real-world struggle of balancing boxing with financial demands.
“He’s a small business owner, got a painting and contracting company, so he’s tasted a bit of real-world money,” DeLuca said. “Getting up for 10 grand is tough. If he wins, that flame stays lit. But to lose and rebuild for another chance like this, how many times can someone go through that? Only Mike can answer.”
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