Boxing News Boxing News
Light heavyweight Yusaf Mack is on the verge of one of the biggest fights of his career, as he meets opponent Chris Henry tonight at Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, MD for the NABA and NABF titles.
Question : Yusaf, you are less than 24 hours away from one of the biggest fights of your career, how are you feeling?
Yusaf Mack: Great, just about to go to sleep now, but just giving a shout out to the guys out there who will be watching on ESPN tomorrow night, watch out, the Mack Attack is coming.
Q: How do you rate this fight in importance, taking into account all the other big fights you have had in your career so far?
YM: This is my get back fight, that wasn’t me at 168 lb. I feel so much stronger and fitter and finally I get the chance to prove it over one of the top guys in the division. I am back to where I am suppose to be but this time I will not be going away.
Q: Are you feeling confident for this fight and if so, why?
YM: Everything has changed for me. I have new training and a new level of fitness and I can’t wait to show people not only the new and improved Yusaf Mack but a stronger, fitter and more focused one.
I am not only confident of winning this fight I am also confident that, should one of the belt holders give me a shot, I will be a world champion before the year is out.
Q :People are saying that Chris Henry is the bigger stronger fighter, how do you feel about this?
YM: In his sleep. People think I am the small guy but I was killing myself to make 168 lb. I only stayed there on advice, I always knew that I was weak at the weight, now I am at the right weight. I still have to work to make the weight but I am on a balanced diet and I work for my whole camp to be on weight by the time of the weigh in.
No more crash dieting or killing myself, this is where I am comfortable and you will all finally see the result of that, anyone that thinks I am not strong at light heavy is in for a big shock.
Q: How has your preparation been for this fight?
YM: Great, I have been training in Lake Arrowhead, California at high altitude and I have worked the hardest that I have ever worked. My trainer John Tandy has actually had to stop me over training as I just feel that I can go on forever. I have ran up bigger hills than I have ever seen before, I have done more sit ups in 6 weeks than a normal person will ever do in their life.
My whole body is at it’s peak right now, everything has fallen in to place perfectly and Mr. Henry will be on the receiving end. I feel fantastic, never as strong as I feel right now, just known now that everyone in the division should fear me, I am coming for you all.
Q: People seem to just remember you for your losses. Are you looking to make a real statement here and wipe away these memories?
YM: Yes of course, all the best fighters in the world have lost but it’s about learning from your mistakes. I have always had the talent but maybe not the focus I needed, now everything is there and I am ready to make my mark.
Q: I am sure you are not looking past this fight ,but assuming you do win, is there anyone specifically you would like to call out?
YM: Chad Dawson is the best in the division and I want to prove myself against the best. Also, I would love to fight Adrian Diaconu for the WBC belt; I will show Henry how he should have done it.
Q: You are still a free agent in regard to not having a promoter and after this fight you will be a big draw; are there any promoters out there that you would be interested in signing with?
YM: Whoever makes the right offer. I want the big fights and the money and fame that comes with it, as I have said, I will be one of the biggest draws in the division. I want to be remember how I deserve to be.
Q : What do you think is your main advantage is over Henry?
YM: Everything. I am slicker, smarter, quicker and people think he hits harder than me, but I don’t think so.
Q: So how long do you think it will be before we see you fighting for a world title?
YM: Hopefully by the middle of this year, should any of them have the balls to take me on after this demolition job against Henry.
Q: You are more comfortable at your new weight of 175 lb and you have three wins from three fights and two knockouts at the weight. How have things changed over the last year or so since the loss to Andrade?
YM: Everything. I think I have covered this before, I have been working with John Tandy, who has helped me get focused and I have worked harder than I ever have.
