Returning to the ring was always the primary objective for Jamontay Clark.
Whomever stands opposite corner was never going to be the issue. For this fight, it just so happens to be another Ohio boxer as the Cincinnati-bred southpaw faces Cleveland’s Terrell Gausha (21-2-1, 10KOs), a 2012 U.S. Olympian and former title challenger.
On the surface, it suggests an in-state rivalry in the making. For Clark, it’s just another night at the office—and a long-overdue opportunity at that.
“It just feels good be back in the ring,” Clark said during a recent Zoom media conference call to discuss the fight, while dismissive of any regional pride at stake between the two cities. “[There’s no rivalry], not with me. I’m coming to get what’s mine. He’s coming with his best. I’m coming with my best. I’m coming out on top.”
Clark (15-1-1, 7KOs) has not fought since claiming an eight-round unanimous decision win over Anthony Lenk last February. The bout took place on an undercard prior to the Showtime cameras rolling for a televised tripleheader. This time, Clark makes the cut as part of this weekend’s telecast. His bout with Gausha will be the first of three to air this Saturday, with the show headlined by a super middleweight title eliminator between former two-time titlist David Benavidez (23-0, 20KOs) and Ronald Ellis (18-1-2, 12KOs).
There aren’t any real stake in the 10-round junior middleweight bout, other than something of a must-win for both boxers. Gausha has managed just one win in his past four starts. Stylistically, Clark is a tough out for anyone in the division though still lacking a career defining win. The 26-year old pushed Sebastian Fundora to the brink in their 10-round draw in an August 2019 Fox-televised affair, two fights after dropping a 10-round decision to Jeison Rosario who would go on to become a unified junior middleweight titlist roughly 17 months after their Aug. 2018 clash.
A win on Saturday will provide Clark with more profile than he’s been able to gain to this point, which—more so than carrying bragging rights back home or being guaranteed a title shot in his next fight—remains the short-term priority.
“It will be a nice name on my résumé and put me in title contention,” admits Clark.
That’s what I’m looking for. Big fights, big paydays. Onto the next one.”
Of course, the opportunity to next fight for the title wouldn’t at all be dismissed should it arise.
“I would love for one of them fights to happen in my next fight. I would be grateful for that and they can put it on Showtime.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox