"Man, you can expect a win and a one-sided performance from me; that’s guaranteed. That’s what I’m coming to do off the bat. I’m focusing on winning and looking spectacular...I’m coming to bring it and I’m expecting the same from him. This can be looked at as a trap fight and that’s why this is the hardest I have ever worked in any training camp. I took no shortcuts, so I’m ready to look absolutely phenomenal," stated bantamweight contender Joshua Greer Jr., who talked about his upcoming return to the ring tonight on ESPN+. Check out what else he had to say!
PC: I know you really wanted to fight again before the end of the year. Your team was able to make that happen. You will be fighting this Friday. How do you feel?
JGJ: Ah man, I feel great, man. First, I want to thank God for everything. He has given me true blessings in having J. Prince, Antonio Leonard, Bob Arum and Top Rank behind me. They have my best interest at heart and they are looking out for me, so I’m ready to do my thing.
PC: You are coming off of a spectacular knockout and 5 consecutive stoppage wins. What can we expect on Friday night?
JGJ: Man, you can expect a win and a one-sided performance from me; that’s guaranteed. That’s what I’m coming to do off the bat. I’m focusing on winning and looking spectacular.
PC: We all enjoy knockouts, but being that this is your last fight of the year, do you hope that your opponent is durable and could withstand some of what you’re firing at him so you can get some rounds in or is that not your approach at all?
JGJ: One thing is I focus on winning. I did the hard work in the gym; me and my coach John Pullman. We cut no corners, took no shortcuts, and left no stones unturned. I’m just coming to win and if an opportunity presents itself, I will take it.
PC: Is the approach to close out this year strong for a breakout year in 2019?
JGJ: Oh yeah, most definitely! I look at it as closing off the year and definitely looking at it as a coming out party; basically, both angles. I want to keep the fans happy, keep my face out there, and keep working hard all at the same time.
PC: What are some of the things you feel you have to do to add on what you have been showing us to this point?
JGJ: First off, I’ve been with my coach, John Pullman, for a little bit over a year now, so I feel like I’m only at 30%. I feel like I haven’t even showed the game my top capacity of what I can do. It’s going to keep coming out and I’m going to keep looking spectacular all the time. I’m going to stay focus and work hard in the gym, live in the gym, and keep doing what I gotta do and not get caught up in the media.
PC: This will be your 4th fight of the year and by today’s standards, that’s a very active year. I’m sure you are pleased with that stat?
JGJ: Most definitely! I’m definitely happy with that. I couldn’t ask for a better promoter or better management and a better team. I’m very happy with them. They're doing their job and I’m doing mine. I focus on the ring stuff only and that’s the importance of having great management and a great promoter behind you. I can just focus on straight boxing. Sometimes I be thinking about it and it’s like there is absolutely nothing for me to worry about right now but boxing. I don’t have to worry about nothing managerial-wise. I don’t have to worry about nothing promotional-wise. I just have to come to the gym every day and give my absolute best and I’ve done that.
PC: You seem to make a very conscious effort on social media to remain humble and not read your own newspaper clippings so to speak. How important is that?
JGJ: I’m smart enough to know that I’m grateful for where I am right now, but I’m not there yet, so I can’t get caught up in anything, and even when I’m there, I’m going to keep pushing. I’m not going to believe in none of that until I’m retired and have accomplished it all. I’m staying focused. I know I’m going to get better and better. I’m in love with getting better and better and staying in the gym. I like seeing the progress between me and my coach, John Pullman. I’m impressed with that and that’s what I’m going to continue to work on. God gave me the platform and the route to go and I’m going to follow in the footsteps.
PC: Have you been able to size up Daniel Lazano or will you make your adjustments during the course of the fight?
JGJ: I seen a few clips. He’s definitely an average fighter. But this is the best shape I have been in in my life. I worked extra hard. I don’t underestimate any man with two hands. I’m expecting him to be at his best because if it’s anything less than that, it’s going to be an absolute slaughter. I’m expecting him to be his best because anything less than that, it’s going to be a murder or something, ya know. I’m coming to bring it and I’m expecting the same from him. This can be looked at as a trap fight and that’s why this is the hardest I have ever worked in any training camp. I took no shortcuts, so I’m ready to look absolutely phenomenal.
PC: Good luck to you and we will speak on the results post-fight. Thanks for your time.
JGJ: Man, I want to thank my team, J. Prince, Antonio Leonard, Bob Arum, Top Rank and my coach John Pullman. I want everybody to tune in on December 14th and you know the slogan, "Don’t Blink!”
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]