BN: Are you 100 per cent retired?
GR: I am currently doing a lot of commentating for DAZN, which I find very enjoyable. Working the fights and witnessing young talent emerging is quite fulfilling. There are moments when the urge to step back into the ring surfaces, especially as my body starts to recover and I find it easier to get out of bed in the morning. I still spar with guys at Wildcard gym and also in Puerto Rico, where I spend half of my time. Boxing has become a lifestyle for me. Bernard Hopkins once told me, “It’s a lifestyle, you can’t stop this,” and I couldn’t agree more. Once you start throwing or dodging punches, it becomes a part of who you are.
BN: You have described Bernard Hopkins as a mentor. How important has he been to you?
GR: Bernard Hopkins has been a significant influence in my life, not just in boxing but also in managing life in general. From the moment I met him at 18 and became his sparring partner, he took me under his wing. His advice on discipline and dedication has stuck with me throughout my career. Learning from his experience and mastering the basics of the sport has allowed me to control the pace of fights and make strategic decisions, even in high-pressure situations.
BN: What has life been like since retirement?
GR: Since retiring, I have been exploring new things, including entering into marriage and spending time with my daughters. I find joy in commentating, studying fighters, and imparting knowledge to young talents. I see a bit of Bernard Hopkins in myself when I mentor these young fighters, guiding them towards success without getting caught up in the fame and limelight of the sport.
BN: You made your debut in Philadelphia the day before your 20th birthday. What are your memories of that time?
GR: I remember the excitement and adrenaline of that moment. I fought against a larger opponent and managed to knock him out in the first round, to the delight of the crowd. It was a memorable start to my career.
BN: How do you sum up your career and look back on it?
GR: Reflecting on my career, I see it as a reflection of how I approach life. Coming from a challenging neighborhood, boxing provided me with an opportunity to fight my way out of adversity. I’ve always been the underdog, overcoming odds and defeating renowned opponents. It’s been a journey of self-belief, hard work, and perseverance.
BN: What do you think would have happened to you had you not found boxing?
GR: Without boxing, I believe I would have followed a destructive path influenced by the violent environment I grew up in. Boxing saved me from the streets, provided me with focus, and gave me a purpose to strive for something better.
BN: What would you say was the career highlight for you?
GR: Two moments stand out for me – defeating Charles Whittaker and achieving the number one ranking at 154, and resetting my career under Freddie Roach’s guidance, leading to high-profile fights and unforgettable experiences in the ring.
BN: When you look at your own career you fought…
GR: (List of fighters)
BN: You must feel enormous self-respect that you fought so many times against these fighters.
GR: Fighting tough opponents has defined my career and made me a fan favorite. It has been both a gift and a challenge, shaping me into the fighter I am today.
BN: So, that would be one of your regrets.
GR: While I have learned from certain decisions in my career, I do not hold any regrets. Each challenge has contributed to my growth as a fighter and as a person.
BN: What does the future hold for you?
GR: Currently, I am enjoying commentating and staying involved in the boxing world. I may consider becoming a trainer in the future, but for now, I am focused on honing my skills in commentating and staying connected to the sport that has been a significant part of my life.