BN: You were recently a highly sought-after free agent. Why did you choose Matchroom over Top Rank?
A: When I talked to Top Rank, I felt like I would just be part of their plan, thrown into the mix. But with Matchroom, it was different. I felt like I would be a priority, one of the only champions in the US. I went back and forth on this decision for weeks, consulting with friends, family, and coaches. In the end, I followed my gut feeling and chose Matchroom because I felt like it was the best route for me.
BN: Eddie Hearn described Andy Cruz as his best ever signing shortly after signing you. How did you feel about that?
A: To be honest, I don’t really care. It’s Eddie’s opinion. My focus is on my own path and improving as a fighter. I’m not worried about what he says about other signings. I wish Andy Cruz luck, but my focus is on myself.
BN: Why do you negotiate your own deals instead of having a manager?
A: Boxing business can be corrupt and it’s hard to trust people. I trust myself and the people I have around me more than anyone else. I wanted to make the decisions myself and not have someone else sway me in a certain direction. I met with Eddie on my own and made the decisions based on what I wanted.
BN: How important is it to you to be fighting in New Orleans again after five years?
A: Eddie got me hyped up when he told me I would be fighting in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center. It’s a huge step up for me and holds a special significance since it’s in my hometown. I won’t fully enjoy it until after the fight, but it means a lot to be fighting there again.
BN: Did Jack Catterall being with Matchroom influence your decision?
A: We were supposed to fight before, so I hope that fight can still happen. I want big fights and big names. If Catterall falls into that category, I’m willing to fight him.
BN: How do you feel about Catterall not getting a rematch with Josh Taylor?
A: I think it’s messed up. Catterall should have gotten the rematch after beating Taylor. But that’s boxing for you. However, I don’t necessarily need to beat Catterall to secure a rematch with Taylor. As the only two-time champion in the division, I believe a rematch should already be warranted.
BN: Is Taylor still the number one at 140lbs?
A: Taylor is a good fighter, but when I fought him in 2019, I was a different fighter back then. Mentally, I felt like I should have beat him. I still believe I should have won, but I can’t deny that he won the fight. But now, I’m a completely different fighter. My confidence hasn’t changed, and I still feel like I’m the best in the division.
BN: Who do you think is the best fighter in the division below you?
A: At 135lbs, I believe Shakur Stevenson is the best, followed closely by Gervonta Davis. Shakur hasn’t been pushed out of his comfort zone yet, but I don’t know if Davis can do that. Skill-wise, I think it’s Shakur, but Tank is right there too. It would be interesting to see what happens when Shakur gets hit by Tank, considering his power.
BN: What are your thoughts on Ryan Garcia returning to 140lbs?
A: Ryan Garcia is talented, but he is limited. He has speed and explosiveness, but he struggles when fights don’t go his way. It remains to be seen if he can come back and adjust when things get tough.
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