N’Dam: Deal with Quillin not done yet but I’ll eat Kid Chocolate!

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor

New WBO champion ready to defend his title

Undefeatd Frenchman Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam has told WBN that contrary to reports, a deal to fight Amercian Peter Quillin is yet to formally agreed for October 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Former WBO interim middleweight champion N’Dam was given the full version of the belt this week as former title holder Dmitry Pirog was relieved of the title and has been strongly linked to Quillin, although a first defence in the US is still only a possibility at this stage.

“I'm glad to announce that I have been designated as WBO world champion, which I find fair and logical and I thank the WBO for taking that responsibility,” N’Dam told World Boxing News.

“Regarding my next first defence, my promoter Sebastien Acaries is negotiating with Golden Boy for me to fight against Peter Quillin and I hope that common ground will be found so that the bout can be finallized.

“Whether it be him or another for me it does not matter as I just want have my next opponent named. I plan to keep this title and fulfil my ambition to add the other four belts to it.”

The 28 year-old also hit back at some criticism the Pantin fighter has received for a lack of ring activity of late, as his victory over Ukrainian Max Bursak in May was his first since April 2011.

“Contrary to what many may think, I never stopped training even if I have fought just once in fifteen months.

"I put together more than five hundred rounds of sparring with many champions like Khoren Gevor, Ajetovic Gear, Sebastien Demers, Komensky, Bilic and Airapetian, to name a few and even with a year out of the ring I still took full advantage of Bursak to dominate the fight.”

On a potential fight against Quillin, who is also, like N’Dam, undefeated in 27 contests, the WBO champion has no problem stepping into the ring with the 29 year-old on his home turf should the fight be concluded.

“My dream has always been to fight in the USA against real champions and even if Quillin is not Mayweather I think this fight interesting,” said N’Dam.

“I learned he was nicknamed ‘Kid Chocolate,’ well I am ‘El Fenomeno’ and I love chocolate!

“People do seem to have put the cart before the horse on announcing the fight is done and I will begin to appreciate this fight when the contracts are signed.

“Not to say that they will be concluded as that day is not yet done, but If I come to the USA it will be to show my beautiful boxing to the American fans and I will hope to conquer their hearts.”