"Chad and his promoter stated they were going to knock off two Canadians, one after another. You can find that comment in last month's Ring Magazine as one of the quotes of the month. Perhaps both men should make good and see how they fair with Lucian Bute...BHop is a very skilled and experienced athlete. We will see on the night how things play out...I am the king presently and whoever intends to be king has to go through me," stated WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal as he talked about his recent win over Chad Dawson and his upcoming showdown with future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins. Check it out!
PC: How is everything going Champ?
JP: Everything is going great. I am delighted to be the linear champion at 175 pounds. Now is a time for reflection and I am really enjoying the moment.
PC: Congratulations on the win against Chad Dawson. How do you feel about your performance?
JP: I was very happy with that performance. Preparation went well and I knew I was ready for the challenge of Chad Dawson. Chad is a great fighter, so I looked forward to that challenge before the fight. I will say that I wasn't as surprised by the outcome as the oddsmakers.
PC: I'm sure it's a great feeling to defeat an undefeated fighter the caliber of a Chad Dawson?
JP: It absolutely is. Chad fought like a champion and so did I, so it was a matter of two young lions stepping into the light; both of us at the pinnacle of our sport careers.
PC: What has it been like for you since the win over Dawson?
JP: Nothing much has changed for me. I am now thinking about what's next and the opportunities within the division promise for some exciting fights. It is now time to look forward and see what opportunities are there for me.
PC: It's obvious you wanted to make him come to you and then throw combinations at him. Was that the game plan going into the fight?
JP: I know Chad had his game plan and I had mine. My objective was to win the fight no matter what. That is exactly what I did. Game plans are always dynamic, so I was not really set on a game plan per se.
PC: I spoke to Bernard Hopkins' trainer, Naazim Richardson, and he said you did a terrific job of sticking to the game plan even after you got a little tired or stunned.
JP: I agree with Coach Richardson. I was extremely happy with the way things went for me.
PC: So December 18th against Bernard Hopkins in Canada. I know you have a great deal of respect for Hopkins, but how do you see the fight between the two of you playing out?
JP: Who knows? BHop is a very skilled and experienced athlete. We will see on the night how things play out.
PC: You've said many times that Roy Jones Jr. is your boxing idol. Would you look at a win over Hopkins as getting a little payback for your idol?
JP: Not really. BHop was also among the athletes I idolized while an amateur. I do still think that Roy Jones Jr., at his best, was amazing.
PC: How does it feel to be the king of the 175-pound division right now?
JP: Great. I am the king presently and whoever intends to be king has to go through me.
PC: Thanks for your time my man. Is there anything you want to say in closing or any sponsors or people you would like to thank?
JP: I would like to thank all of my fans for supporting me. They are the reason why I strive to be nothing but the best. I love you guys and don't forget to go checkout my website at www.jeanpascalboxing.com. By the way, Chad and his promoter stated they were going to knock off two Canadians, one after another. You can find that comment in last month's Ring Magazine as one of the quotes of the month. Perhaps both men should make good and see how they fair with Lucian Bute.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]