– It has been roughly five weeks since WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-0, 15 KO’s) was notified that he would be facing newly crowned IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KO’s). In that time, Breazeale has been continuing to train diligently with world renowned trainer Manny Robles in preparation for his upcoming IBF world heavyweight title challenge.
The heavyweight challenger from Alhambra, California and his trainer from East Los Angeles took some time out of Breazeale’s busy schedule to answer some questions about his training camp and the bout with Anthony Joshua on June 25th.
When you first found out that you were selected as Joshua’s opponent, what were your initial thoughts?
“When I received a call from my advisor Al Haymon and he told me the good news, I was excited. I immediately told my wife and then notified my team that we got the fight. I knew I was one of three possible opponents and I was happy that I got it. Ever since 2008 when I started getting into boxing, it was a dream of mine to be the world heavyweight champion. Eight years later, I’m here.”
Back on May 4th, you traveled to London for the press conference to announce the fight. There was clearly a heated discussion between you and Joshua. What happened?
“Well, prior to going into the press conference, we took some photos outside of the building. Then we had the stare down. I guess he didn’t like that when he looked away, I kept staring at him. So, since he was in front of the cameras, he started acting tough.”
“I just let him know that he was in for a dog fight. I’m not going to back down and he clearly saw that. I’m not coming for a check; I’m coming for that title and bringing it back to the United States where it belongs.”
How is training camp going?
“Training camp has been going really well. I was actually in camp before the fight was announced so I am in great shape. My coaches Manny Robles and Edgar Jasso have a great fight plan for me and we are working hard in the gym. I have great sparring partners and they are helping me as well.”
“My stable mates are also pushing me to train as hard as I can. I’m getting better every day and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Coach Manny: how are things going in training camp?
“Everything is going as expected. This camp is far beyond better than the last camp. Dominic will tell that this is beyond his best camp ever. You know, in his past camps he knew there was a routine every day. The last two camps, he expects something different every day. The variation of training keeps him focused and motivated and he is doing very well. I’m seeing overall improvements, from his ring generalship to his defense and footwork, putting punches together along with his balance and his jab.”
“I see improvement in every aspect of his game and he is becoming a better overall boxer. We are working to win. We are working hard in the gym and that is where the fights are won. Our sparring is going really well as is the training. Strength and conditioning coach Darryl Hudson is doing a phenomenal job with Dominic and the results are showing. We’re coming to win.”
Dominic: How does it feel to be going back to London fighting for a world title?
“It feels great. I couldn’t have written the script any better. This is unfinished business. Back in 2012, I earned a spot on the Olympic team after just a year and half of boxing as a competitive amateur. But everyone knows that the amateur ranks are nothing like the professional ranks. So far in my professional career, I have learned to impose my will on my opponents and that’s why I’m fighting Joshua for the world title. I’m looking forward to going back to London to finish what I didn’t four years ago.”
What are your thoughts on the current state of the heavyweight division?
“The heavyweight division is ripe for the pickings. You have an out of shape fighter like Tyson Fury who now holds two titles after getting a decision over Wladimir Klitchko, who clearly had an off night. I believe Klitchko will KO Fury and Fury retires.”
“Then you have the controversy between Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin. I was really looking forward to that bout. I sparred with Povetkin in Russia a few years ago and I know what he is capable of. I have a lot of respect for Deontay Wilder and it’s too bad that fight didn’t happen.”
What are your expectations for how the bout with Anthony Joshua plays out?
“I’m coming to London to win, plain and simple. I’m going to pressure Joshua and just keep punching. He is going to think that he is fighting two or three Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale’s and I expect to knock him out in the 6th or 7th round. Come
June 25th, I will have a place in history as the new IBF world heavyweight champion.”
Do you have anything is closing?
“I want to take the time to offer my condolences to the Ali family. We lost a true legend and the greatest of all time. There will never be another man of his figure. Mr. Ali always inspired me to not only be the best in the ring, but the best human being possible. The world has lost a great man. My fight will be the first heavyweight bout since his passing and I intend to make him happy.”
