Lockridge Fights in Italy Today

Rocky Lockridge is looking for a busy year and possibly a shot at another title in 1985.

But first the World Boxing Assn. junior lightweight champion must get past second-ranked Kamel Bou Ali of Tunisia in a scheduled l5-round fight today televised on NBC’s “SportsWorld” (Channel 4, 4 p.m.).

“Hopefully, I’ll have five fights this year,” said Lockridge, who will be making his second defense of the title he won on a first-round knockout over Roger Mayweather last Feb. 26 at Beaumont, Tex.

That victory ended four-years of frustration for the American.

He lost a close decision to WBA featherweight champion Eusebio Pedroza Oct. 4, 1980, at McAfee, N.J., then lost his United States Boxing Assn. featherweight title when he was knocked out in the second round by Juan Laporte Aug. 22, 1981 at Las Vegas.

Lockridge fought his way back to a title show only to be outpointed by Pedroza again April 24, 1983, at San Remo, Italy.

And he would like still another shot at the Panamanian.

“I’d like to face Pedroza for his title or my title, but he wants a phenomenal amout of money,” said Lockridge. “He obviously wants that to be his last fight, and I want to see to it.”

Lockridge also “would love to take the opportunity to move up, but the only fight that would be worthy of my moving up to lightweight would be Camacho.”

Unbeaten Hector “Macho” Camacho, who gave up the World Boxing Council junior lightweight title last year because of difficulty making the 130-pound limit, now is campaigning as a lightweight and likely will get a shot at the 135-pound title this year.

In Bou Ali, the 26-year-old Lockridge will be facing an opponent, who has a 17-0-1 record with 10 knockouts. Lockridge has a 35-3 mark, with 29 knockouts.