Working as a train operator, Colbert has learned to block out extra noise and only focus on the task at hand.
Colbert is going to need that type of focus when he takes on Noah Zuhdi of Oklahoma City for the vacant Oklahoma lightweight title Monday night at Remington Park.
Colbert and Zuhdi have fought on the same card before and are used to being the overwhelming crowd favorite. Squaring off against each other might divide the crowd, and Colbert is OK with that.
"Once I hit the ring, I’ve learned from being on the train to only worry about my opponent,” Colbert said. "It’s going to be interesting having both of the fans there, but I’m not worried about it.”
Colbert, 31, only began boxing a few years ago. He’s also been learning mixed martial arts. And whether it’s the ring or the cage, he’s undefeated in two boxing bouts and one MMA fight with all wins by knockout.
While the training for both is about as diverse as possible, the mentality has made him better in each.
"With jiu jitsu, it’s a chess game. And you’re thinking two, three moves ahead,” Colbert said. "That’s how I’m approaching boxing. I’m not just throwing a jab to throw a jab. I’m trying to set up everything else.”
Colbert knows this is the toughest fight he’s been in, and he said he’s never trained harder.
"It’s time. I’m ready,” he said.
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George Colbert vs. Noah Zuhdi →When: 7 p.m., Monday
→Where: Remington Park
→Tickets: $25 general admission; $35 reserved seating; $65 platinum table seating
→Scouting report: The biggest fight at Remington Park since it started featuring boxing more than a year ago. Zuhdi and Colbert are from Oklahoma City and are fighting for the vacant Oklahoma lightweight title. Other fights feature Oklahoma City’s Kyle Sherman, Carson Jones and former Oklahoma City Blazers enforcer Ron Aubrey.
BY ROBERT PRZYBYLO
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