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When the latest International Boxing Federation featherweight ratings were released earlier this month, Rogers "The Tiger" Mtagwa’s name appeared in the No. 5 slot. With the top two spots vacant, Mtagwa is edging closer to that coveted world-title shot.
"That’s what I think about," Mtagwa said prior to his Tuesday-afternoon training session at West Philadelphia’s James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym. "I am working harder so I can go for the title."
The first order of business is winning his July 20 North American Boxing Federation featherweight title at the New Alhambra, Swanson and Ritner streets. He will be facing the tough Aldo Valtierra, who is 24-8, with 13 of the victories coming via knockout.
"He can fight," Mtagwa’s Manager Joe Parella said of Valtierra. "This guy is not a pushover. He throws a lot of right hands. We have to take command of the fight so we don’t leave it up to the judges."
Mtagwa, 23-11-2, 17 KO’s, thought he won his November 2006 bout against Martin Honorio, but ended up losing in a split decision. The fight was stopped in the sixth and ninth rounds so ringside doctors could check cuts above both of Honorio’s eyes. He ended up suffering a detached retina. It was voted the United State Boxing Association’s Fight of the Year.
Mtagwa, of 20th and Mifflin streets, has refocused his attention on becoming the featherweight king. In April, he returned to the ring and scored a second-round knockout over Terrence Roy. It marked the third time in four fights Mtagwa stopped his opponent, with the other two bouts being halted in the fourth stanza.
Next week, the South Philly pugilist will be surrounded by hometown supporters.
"Everytime I turn around, I see all my friends," Mtagwa said. "It feels good."
At 28, this Tanzania native still has many years left in the sport. A victory next week would earn the pugilist his first go at the world championship.
"We were promised a world-title shot if we win this fight," Parella said.
American Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, 20-2-1, 13 KO’s, is the current IBF belt-holder, but Mtagwa doesn’t care who he faces.
"Anybody who steps in front of me I will fight," he said.
The boxing card also will include South Philadelphia middleweight Joe Christy in a six-round bout. Tickets are $40 to $65 and may be purchased at www.peltzboxing.com or by calling 215-765-0922.
