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Tonight, undefeated prospect Johnathon Banks, 12-0 (9), defends his WBO NABO Cruiserweight crown for the first time as part of promoter Star Light Inc’s “Beauties And The Beats’” at Bert’s Warehouse Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The 24 year old Detroit native is scheduled to meet journeyman Sebastian Hill in a rematch. In his most recent outing, Banks won the WBO NABO title after climbing off the canvas twice in the first round to knock out Eliseo Castillo in the fourth round. Banks is a product of the world famous Kronk Gym, which closed recently, and SaddoBoxing spoke with him regarding his plans and what his take is on the future of boxing in Michigan.
SaddoBoxing: Johnathon Banks, good morning. Is this a title fight?
Johnathon Banks: “I believe it’s a title defense.”
SB: Have you been enjoying that championship these past few months?
JB: “It’s been wonderful. I have no complaints about it.”
SB: I saw your last fight on ESPN. What went through your mind after the two knock downs in the first round?
JB: “What went through my mind at that time? I said to myself, ‘Ain’t no way this dude can beat me.’ I took his best; let’s see if he can take mine.”
SB: Who would you like to fight in the future? Jean Marc Mormeck? O’Neil Bell?
JB: “Any of the title holders. That’s my goal; any of the title holders. I heard O’Neil Bell moved up to heavyweight. He might come back down. But anybody they recognize as a cruiserweight champion? Those are the guys I’d like to fight.”
SB: Are you boxing full-time now?
JB: “Full-time. Most definitely. I dreamed about it and now I’m able to do it.”
SB: We’ve interviewed promoters in the area and it seems like they’re trying to bring boxing back to life in Detroit.
JB: “Most definitely. For the fight that’s taking place this weekend at the Eastern Market, something is going towards reopening the Kronk Gym. This is good for the fighters in Michigan. It’s good for the people of Detroit. People want to see big fights; that’s what the city needs. hat’s the difference between Kronk and others in Michigan. We get world title fights. We might try to put something on in January. It will be me fighting for the WBO.”
SB: Thinking back, the last major fight I can think of in the metro area was when Mike Tyson fought Andrew Golota.
JB: “It was years ago and it was a big draw. We need to realize Detroit fans come out to support their own.”
SB: You’re right. Detroit is a major sports town. The Pistons, the Tigers, even the Lions who aren’t doing so well.
JB: “It’s unbelievable, the support. Every [World Series] game was a sellout. Same with hockey and basketball. I believe it will be the same in the boxing ring.”
SB: I just want to be there giving you guys as much exposure as possible because you deserve it. I’ve been to a couple of events and seen that extra something Kronk fighters bring to the ring.”
JB: “Thank you and I appreciate it. You’re absolutely right.”
SB: Thanks for your time. I’ll see you Saturday and I look forward to seeing you in the future.
JB: “No problem. Anytime.”
