How did it feel to be a considered by many as a “Great White Hope?”
That was something that the media created. I think I proved myself, I’m probably one of the last white
US
heavyweight champions since Marciano. I’m looking forward to the day when fighters will be known for their skills rather than the color of their skin. You just have to go out and prove it each fight.
Any plans on fighting Shannon Briggs?
Absolutely! I mean Andrew Golota would be a good one as well. Or James Toney... and I would like to shut him up once and for all.
And what do you think of Briggs?
He’s was a pretty decent fighter. I saw him on TV the other day…..he’s a Big guy. But he can still fight.
And what about WBC champ Samuel Peter?
He’s another big guy. Out of all the big guys out there he’s the one that can bang a little bit. But you got to have more than a hard punch. I mean I learned that in the Ray Mercer fight…..
What happened in the Ray Mercer fight?
I was kinda pushed into that fight. I came from the tough man circuit and I didn’t have much international type experience. So I was playing catch up with these guys staying very active. Like in ’89 I had like 19 fights that year which is unheard of for a heavyweight! I had to do that in order to improve…..and right at my pinnacle I got kicked out of boxing. I had a lot of unfinished business. As a matter of fact, I have a book coming out soon and it may be called “Unfinished Business”
How’s your fighting shape?
I just fought in
Mexico
maybe 2-3 months ago….but when you’ve been doing something for 30 plus years and you go to the gym it all comes back to you. The 10 years I was out I didn’t just sit on my butt…I stayed in good shape and was able to keep my form…..speed and power. Maybe I’m a better fighters now than I was then. When I was younger I used to bang people out but as you get older you get more seasoned, you understand the science of boxing: Hit without being hit.
I’ve learned how to give angles and learn how to relax….that was one of my problems early on. You have to push yourself in the gym to know your limits. You need to be able to find your limits in the gym so younger fighters don’t do that nowadays.
What is your 12 month plan?
To go to Vegas and pass the medicals there…..I’m 39 years old and I still have an advantage because the last 10 years I have been healing while everyone else has had the crap beat out of them. Because I’m over 36 they don’t have to give me a license….Once I start fighting consistent, I want to win one title and I think that will qualify as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the game. Once I start something, I want to finish it. When you’re a heavyweight, your only one punch away from victory!
