By NATE BEUTEL
The last time most area boxing fans saw James Ventry, the Cataract City lightweight was slumped over nursing sore ribs after a loss to Jamar Saunders at the Seneca Niagara Casino back in November.
That wasn’t the picture Ventry wanted people to remember him by, though. So, the 37-year old went back to work in the gym and has since split a pair of bouts heading into this week’s showdown with unbeaten Rod Salka at the I.C. Light Amphitheater in Pittsburgh.
“I love boxing so much and I pride myself on being a tough fighter, so that just wasn’t a way to go out,” Ventry said this past week after sparring with fellow Falls boxer Nick Casal.
“I think I’ve still got something to offer. I’m going to keep plugging along and hope that more opportunities like this one keep coming up.”
Wednesday’s bout will be a big test for Ventry, who only agreed to the fight this past week.
“I was out of the gym for a few weeks, so he might come into the fight in slightly better shape, but I still feel like I’m the better fighter and might be a little more skilled than him,” Ventry said. “Ideally, I’d like to have maybe another week or two to train, but I’ve done some good sparring and I’m confident in myself.”
Win, lose or draw, Ventry already has his next two fights lined up as well. He’s set to have a rematch with Ruben Cuellar at the Tachi Hotel and Casino in California on July 16 and then fight an opponent to be determined at the Playboy Mansion on Sept. 12.
“Right now, I’m looking to build up my number of fights to where I could possibly get the call for a main event,” Ventry said. “And if I could pull the upset, that would improve my ranking and who knows, maybe get me a small title shot.”
Title shot or not, Ventry is enjoying the ride.
“When I fought in Delaware in April, it was so beautiful there and I kept thinking to myself, ‘When else in my life would I ever get to go to places like Dover, Delaware?’” he said. “I’m a lucky guy. I get to travel the country, meet fantastic people and just have some great experiences. It’s all worth it.”
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
