Riz:
In your training career, is this the biggest fight?
MAYWEATHER:
I would have to say in the terms of the significance of the fight
and its meaning to the sport of boxing, yes, but for me personally it was winning the title because we defeated a fighter I had previously trained
named Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs, who obviously didn’t believe in me
enough to allow me to do my job as his trainer.
Riz:
Most people who fight Wladimir go straight for the chin right away, without
obviously telling us too much of Sultan’s strategy, will he try to do that or
use his new tactical skills that have been enhanced by you?
MAYWEATHER:
Our plan is simple. Smart aggression, a lot of head movement, and using angles to create opportunities to hopefully give us the advantage.
Riz:
Sultan like most heavyweight fighters started his career late in life.
Sultan turned pro at 27. Why do you think heavyweights end up
starting their career later, and is this helping them in their career by
starting later?
MAYWEATHER:
Sultan may have got a late start, but he certainly did his home work and excelled on the highest level as an amateur boxer winning a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics.
Riz:
Sultan’s countryman
Alexander Povetkin has slowly been making more headlines with each fight. What
do you think of Povetkin, since if he and Sultan both win, chances are they will
fight down the line since Povetkin will then be the #1 IBF ranked fighter?
MAYWEATHER:
To be honest I know nothing of him, nor have I had the chance to watch him fight.
Riz:
Hopkins dropped by camp in
Florida,
did he give any advice really or just stopped to say hello?
MAYWEATHER:
He really just came by to say hello. It was nice to have his presence in the gym.
Riz:
In Sultan’s last fight you were in Russia, was that
your first time in Russia, and what did you think of it?
MAYWEATHER:
Yeah, it was my very first trip to Russia. It was kind of dreary and cold, but I liked the architecture of the buildings and Red Square was nice, but most importantly beating Evander Holyfield was the best part of being in Russia because to be honest that was my sole purpose for being there.
Riz:
What did you think of Floyd’s Jr.’s performance with his win over Hatton?
MAYWEATHER:
I pictured it exactly as it happened, I even called the round. I knew once Floyd figured him out he would take control of the fight and eventually stop him.
Riz: Where do you think Floyd
should go from here? Retire?
MAYWEATHER:
I think Floyd should and will continue to fight, and he certainly will. There are still enough big fights out there and a whole lot of money to be made.
Riz: The fight has already passed,
but who did you think would win with the Jones-Tito fight.
MAYWEATHER:
I had picked Jones by a decision.
Riz: Today is Muhammad Ali’s
birthday, do you have any words for the greatest or any thoughts on him for our
readers?
MAYWEATHER:
I truly think Ali was the best fighter to ever put on a pair of gloves, I only wish I would have been able to watch him fight live while I was growing up and that his condition doesn’t worsen and I also wish that he has many more birthdays.
Riz: Thanks for your time again
Jeff, any closing words?
MAYWEATHER: Well, tune in to HBO Feb. 23rd and witness a great fight between two very good champions. I’m excited to be going up against Hall of Fame
trainer Emanuel Steward; matching strategies and wits against one of the best trainers in the
world, that lets me know that I have arrived to a premiere level of boxing.
Questions? Comments? Write Mr.
Rizwaan Zahid
01-24-2008
