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Rogers “The Tiger” Mtagwa knows what it’s like fighting at Madison Square Garden.
He also knows a little something about what it takes to headline a world-championship card.
The only thing the 30-year-old featherweight has yet to accomplish is return home with a title strapped around his waist.
The latter scenario could change Saturday night when the resident of the 1800 block of South Taylor Street challenges Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA featherweight championship. The bout is one of two matches being featured on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark” live broadcast starting at 9:45 p.m. For Mtagwa, this marks his debut on the premium cable network.
The native of Tanzania, who has a ring mark of 26-13-2 with 18 KO’s, is ready to showcase his talents in front of a national viewing audience.
“I want to show people nice boxing and a good fight,” Mtagwa said in a phone interview prior to boarding Tuesday’s train to New York City. “I want to show people nice skills. I think everybody is going to be happy.”
This is his second-straight appearance at the Garden. In October, he challenged WBO champ Juan Manuel Lopez for the WBO crown, but lost via decision. Lopez is the night’s other feature bout.
Manager Joe Parella is excited about his fighter getting another title shot.
“His record doesn’t look like anything, but this fighter has paid his dues,” Parella said.
Prior to the Lopez bout, the fighter tallied three-straight victories, including one via TKO.
Team Mtagwa has been busy studying tapes of Gamboa, who is a perfect 16-0 with 14 KO’s. The opposition captured the WBA title in April via knockout. Training sessions have been focused on preparing to counter the champion’s strengths and weaknesses.
“From what I’ve seen, I think he is stronger and faster than Lopez,” Parella said of Gamboa. “He has a little habit of dropping his hands. We have to jab and get in there first and do our work.”
Mtagwa said he is ready for battle.
“I am good for the fight,” he added. “I am strong and I am working very good.”
The challenger is expecting some of his fellow countrymen, as well as friends and family from Philly, to be in attendance Saturday night. A final press conference is taking place this afternoon with the weigh-in following 2 p.m. tomorrow. As of last weekend, Mtagwa tipped the scales at 124.5 pounds, slightly below the 126-pound limit.
If Mtagwa is victorious this weekend, it could lead to even bigger paydays ahead. Parella said they would likely look to defend the title later this year. If the fighter comes out on the losing end, he could drop down a weight class and go for another title. Those future plans are based on making a strong showing in front of the live, national audience this weekend.
“It doesn’t get any better than fighting at Madison Square Garden,” Parella said.
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