"We prepared well, so I knew what my identity was going in there. I knew that I could do that. And I really wasn't trying to get him out of there like that, but I knew it could happen. I guess I'm hitting harder than I expect...As I continue to work hard, it's going to get worse for people. I'm back in the gym already and getting ready for my next fight," stated super middleweight Anthony Dirrell as he talked about his future plans after his recent win over Jimmy Campbell. Check it out!
PC: Congratulations on your win over Jimmy Campbell. I know it was a short night, but how did you feel in there?
AD: I felt good. We prepared well, so I knew what my identity was going in there. I knew that I could do that. And I really wasn't trying to get him out of there like that, but I knew it could happen. I guess I'm hitting harder than I expect.
PC: Campbell had about 15 fights or so going into your fight. Did you know a lot about him going into the fight?
AD: I saw a couple pieces of video. I seen that he was an inside fighter, but like I said man, we went in there with a game plan and we executed that game plan.
PC: You just mentioned that you are hitting harder than expected. Your last 4 opponents didn't see the final bell. Is that something that we can expect from you in all of your fights; sitting down on your shots a little more?
AD: Ah, definitely. As I continue to work hard, it's going to get worse for people. I'm back in the gym already and getting ready for my next fight.
PC: Talk us through the knockout. How did it go down?
AD: I was just really working my jab, I let off some body punches and then I slipped a right hand and just came back with a hook. That hook rocked him, but it didn't really set him down, but he crouched and then the right hand finished him off.
PC: Combination punching is a lost art in boxing, but that's what you got Campbell out of there with. Is that something you work on as well?
AD: Ah yeah! Me and my trainer work on combinations, in and out fast, and just trying to be sharp basically. Like I said, we executed that game plan. We went in there and got the early victory.
PC: Being that you didn't take any punishment in that fight, I'm sure you are looking to come right back.
AD: I got one set up for October 15th, so I'm going to train until then and work hard and just continue to get better.
PC: You had 4 fights last year and you're only working on your second fight for this year. Why have you been so inactive in 2010?
AD: Well, injuries kept me down. I had surgery on my hands and I had cancer before that, so injuries really set me down. It appears they are behind me and I'm back in affect and I won't stop until I get to the top.
PC: You are in a stacked 168-pound division; one in which your brother Andre is a key component. How many fights do you feel you are away from being mentioned in that class?
AD: I'm not far at all. I have 19 fights in the bag and it's about that time for me to start moving forward. I can keep working on things and everyone continues to help me out. I'm going to keep going in there in shape and fight to the best of my ability and with that recipe, I don't think it will be long at all.
PC: You have dealt with a lot in your career. You just mentioned the hands and having cancer at one point. What does it mean for you to still be able to fight at a high level going through those rough patches?
AD: I just got one word man, blessing. It's truly a blessing.
PC: I look forward to October 15th. I wish you the best of luck. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
AD: I just want to thank Team Dirrell, my brother, and my family members, and all of the fans that support me.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]