Junior lightweight Maliek Montgomery knows his shot at cracking the top 15 grows closer with each fight, inching him toward a potential title shot, but for Montgomery, 29, rankings and accolades are secondary. Each bout is simply another fight – a chance to showcase his love for boxing and his disdain for losing.

As he prepares for a 10-round fight against Sakaria Lukas at OTX 11 at Corey Studios in Atlanta, broadcast on DAZN, Montgomery is candid about his motivations. 

Recently, he became a father, adding a new layer to his drive. “This was my first camp with my baby girl,” Montgomery told BoxingScene. His daughter is now two and a half months old. “Balancing training with family time has been a change, but having her gives me an extra edge, an added motivation every time I step into the gym.”

Lukas, 40, from Namibia, enters with a record of 26-2-1 (18 KOs). He last fought in the United States in 2022, where former titleholder Raymond Ford stopped him. He then notched a win outside the U.S. in 2023.

Known for his power and experience, Lukas also held his own against Tugstsogt Nyambayar, fighting to a draw in 2022. “He’s not afraid to take chances — he’s got a big right hand, and he knows how to land it,” Montgomery said. “He’s been in there with skilled fighters and still manages to land his shots. He is tough as nails.”

Montgomery, who is undefeated at 19-0 (17 KOs), is focused and unfazed by talk of title shots. His grounded approach is keeping him centered. “When I’m in the ring, I’m not thinking about bills or family – I’m thinking about this dude trying to hurt me and making sure I hurt him back,” he said.

Montgomery’s determination has been forged through years of hard work.

As a decorated amateur from Georgia, he’s accustomed to fighting for respect in a region that often goes overlooked. Now, he’s driven by a vision of facing the division’s best, such as WBC titleholder O’Shaquie Foster, WBA titleholder Lamont Roach Jnr, IBF titleholder Anthony Cacace, or the winner of the WBO title fight between Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez.

“I’d love a title shot at 130,” Montgomery said.

But for now, each round and each opponent represent another step forward, a journey he’s taking one punch at a time. Montgomery enters the ring in Atlanta, he’s clear-minded, fueled by family, focused on the fight, and ready for whatever challenge comes next. Montgomery isn’t just aiming for victory; he’s looking to make a statement.

“I can’t just look like the average fighter,” he said. “I need to perform in a way that makes people take notice. That’s what will get me to those big fights, those title shots.”