Having just arrived back to the States after stopping Nate Campbell last February in the land Down Under, the newly crowed IBF 130-pound champ Robbie Peden is looking for the big fights. With nine years experience as a professional fighter, “The Bomber” feels he has more than paid his dues, and is eager to prove that he can not only fight the best, but can also beat the best. His mindset is simple, “I’ve got the belt, come and get it.” However, Peden wonders who of the big names in the junior lightweight division are willing to fight him. BoxingTalk spoke with Pedan recently to get his thoughts on fighting the Barrera’s, Morales’, and Pacquiao’s, and what he will do once he gets them in the ring.
BoxingTalk: Now that you are back home in St. Louis, what is on tap for Robbie Peden?
Robbie Peden: I spoke Dan Goossen yesterday, but nothing has been signed yet. I know I want to fight the best out there, the question is does the best out there want to fight me? I think I proved everyone wrong in my last performance against Nate Campbell.
BoxingTalk: Freddie Roach recently commented that his fighter, Manny Pacquiao could be facing you next. What have you heard about this?
Robbie Peden: From what I know, Pacquiao might be my mandatory. If we can all reach a deal, then that’s a fight I’d love to make. I’ve been looking for that type of fight.
BoxingTalk: I know you like to bang when you get in the ring, so I know a fight with Pacquiao could be an explosive one…
Robbie Pedan: It absolutely would be. I’ve been knocking on the door long enough for these types of fights.
NOTE: BoxingTalk recently contacted Gooseen-Tutor Promotions to find out what the likelihood was of a Pacquiao-Peden match-up. They responded by telling us that they would know something more by next week, but until then they had no comment.
BoxingTalk: I’m sure if a fight with Pacquiao doesn’t pan out, that you would want to start unifying the belts…
Robbie Pedan: I’ve worked for nine years to get this belt, and I know that with a big risk comes big money. I want the big money, so I’ll take a big risk and fight anybody. I’d love to fight Marco Antonio Barrera.
BoxingTalk: If it came down to it, would you be willing to give up your belt in order to fight Barrera for a better payday?
Robbie Pedan: I think I might be able to get both since I’d be fighting Barrera in a unification bout.
BoxingTalk: With Barrera, Morales, and Pacquaio all talking about fighting each other in different rematches…
Robbie Pedan:…You won’t see any of those guys calling my name out. In any of their interviews not one of them mentions my name. If that doesn’t tell you something, then I don’t know what to say.
BoxingTalk: What does it tell you?
Robbie Peden: That they know they’re in for a hard fight against me. They’re all looking to run the division, but I’m a very tough fighter. I’ve got a belt, go ahead and call me out.
BoxingTalk: When will you get back in the gym to get ready for you’re next opponent?
Robbie Peden: I just got back in the gym this week, and now I’m just waiting to hear back from Dan about who I’m fighting next.
BoxingTalk: What was it like for you to be back in your hometown fighting your rematch against Nate Campbell?
Robbie Peden: It was great. It couldn’t have gone any better than it did. It was a dream come true. Once people see the fight, they will see that Nate got beat, and he got beaten properly.
BoxingTalk: With the spotlight now on the lightweight division after the Corrales-Castillo fight, could you see yourself moving up to that division to take on the big names there?
Robbie Peden: I know I can fight anywhere between 130 to 140 pounds. As long as my trainer and Dan Goossen feels the same way, then I will take on any of the fighters in that divison, but really want to fight Pacquiao. All the guys he has fought recently are on the top of the pound-for-pound lists, and I know he can’t beat me.
BoxingTalk thanks Mr. Peden for speaking with us. We wish him continued success both in and out of the ring.
