BN: Who do you predict will win the fight between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence this month? It’s a highly anticipated and intriguing matchup. Personally, I find it difficult to decide on a winner. Some days I lean towards Crawford, while other days I lean towards Spence. It’s truly a toss-up and will depend on their tactics and who gets hurt first. I don’t think the fight will go the distance. I’m glad it’s finally happening, although it should have taken place sooner. Hopefully, this fight will reinvigorate the welterweight division.
BN: Do you agree with those who believe that you and Jaron “Boots” Ennis will carry on the legacy of Spence and Crawford in the welterweight division? I believe so. We are both up-and-coming welterweights, along with others in our division. We are patiently waiting for our chance to showcase our skills. It’s possible that a new era could emerge, but we’ll have to wait and see. Personally, I prefer to let my performance in the ring speak for itself rather than making bold claims outside of it. The future moves of Spence and Crawford will also impact the division’s landscape.
BN: How formidable of an opponent is Eimantas Stanionis? He poses a significant threat and will likely be one of my toughest opponents to date. It will be a competitive and explosive fight, as we are both highly regarded unbeaten welterweights. Our styles complement each other, promising an intense showdown. I approach every fight as if it’s my most challenging, so the pressure is always on to perform. I don’t view it as a make-or-break fight specifically, as all my fights carry that level of importance. Stanionis is a talented fighter who brings the action and aggression.
BN: How would you assess Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ skills? It’s an interesting fight that I’m looking forward to, though I haven’t watched him fight extensively. However, I cannot say anything negative about him as he is a skilled fighter. I don’t consider his opponent, Roiman Villa, to be an easy matchup either, as demonstrated by his performance against Rashidi Ellis. I’ve learned not to underestimate any fighter’s abilities. Ultimately, I believe I am the best welterweight, but I don’t concern myself with rankings or other people’s opinions.
BN: Does it frustrate you that your fight and Ennis’ fight are happening simultaneously, potentially dividing the audience? It’s a conflicting situation, especially when other fighters from the same weight class are also competing. It’s natural to wonder which fight fans will choose to watch. Personally, I’m focused on my own fight and not overly concerned about it. If I had a say, I would have preferred for the fights to take place on different nights.
BN: How are you recovering from long Covid? Fortunately, I feel better than ever. I believe this is the best I’ve felt in a long time. I hope that my recovery continues smoothly and that I won’t experience any setbacks. While there is still much we don’t know about long Covid, I base my well-being on how I currently feel, and right now, I feel great. The last time I struggled with symptoms was when my fight got canceled, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to my recovery plan with positive results.
BN: How do you react when people downplay the seriousness of Covid? I don’t pay much attention to it. People have their own opinions, and many of them are misinformed. The best approach, in my opinion, is to let those opinions pass through one ear and out the other. It’s not worth worrying about. People tend to say ignorant things regardless of the topic, whether it’s Covid, sports, or politics. When I was dealing with my own struggles with Covid, my main focus was on getting better and finding ways to overcome the obstacles. I didn’t let outside noise affect me.
BN: Did you ever fear for your future as a fighter due to your battle with Covid? I won’t deny that I was concerned about it. It was an obstacle that I had to face and find a solution for. I wondered how I would overcome it and make it work. Thankfully, we found ways to manage it and improve my condition.
BN: As one of Golden Boy Promotions’ prominent fighters during a challenging time for them, do you feel additional pressure to win on Saturday? I don’t feel any extra pressure to win. I always approach every fight with the mentality that I am meant to win. Winning is ingrained in me. Pressure implies uncertainty, but I don’t think that way. I train hard, prepare for each fight, and enter the ring with confidence that I will emerge victorious.
BN: What is your relationship like with Oscar De La Hoya? We haven’t had much contact recently. We don’t text or call each other regularly, but it’s not a negative relationship. We each focus on our own endeavors. I primarily communicate with my manager and my dad, who communicates with my manager. My role is to train and perform in the ring. I leave the promotional aspects to others, except when promotional activities require my involvement, such as gym visits for photography.
BN: How do you feel when Oscar De La Hoya and Ryan Garcia publicly argue? I’d rather avoid discussing that topic because it’s…
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