Heavyweight prospect (over 90.7 kg) American Michael Hunter (21-1-1, 14 KOs) gave
interview for Michelle Jo Phelps.
In a conversation, Michael spoke about the upcoming fight against Briton Hughie Fury (26-3, 15 KOs), which is scheduled for July 2 in Britain. Also in an interview, Hunter expressed his opinion about a possible duel with the winner of the rematch between the unified champion from Ukraine Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) and ex-champion Briton Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs). In addition, the American prospectus commented on the rematch between Usyk and Joshua.
– You have a big fight on July 2 against Hughie Fury. Congratulations on this. How are you feeling?
– Thanks. I feel absolutely phenomenal about this. I just sparred with Joe Joyce. I know that his pace is similar to that of Huey.
– You made a comment where you didn’t appreciate Huey’s strength at all.
“I’m glad everyone jumped at it. He does not really knock out, especially those who are 3 plus and below. I don’t mean to say he can’t hit hard, but he doesn’t focus on punching power. It’s just something I shouldn’t worry too much about.
– If you are successful in the Fury fight, you could potentially face the winner of the Dubois-Bryan fight on June 11th. Who is your favorite and who do you prefer as opponents?
“Anyone, really, but I think Dubois respects me more. He is from England, he has a bigger name. I would like to establish myself in England and become more popular there. I have a decent amount of fans there, more than in the States. It will be a bigger fight for me.
Knock out all the Furies, one by one! — Michael Hunter
Why do you have more fans in Britain than in the US?
– Because I beat a woman there (Martin Bakole, approx. WMMAA) when everyone was betting against me. I needed a knockout to win and I ended up doing it.
– If everything goes according to plan, then the roads lead to the winner of the Joshua rematch – Usyk, provided that Tyson Fury retires. What do you think of these fights?
– Any of them: both Joshua and Usyk will be a big event for my career. As I told everyone, I prefer Usyk because I love to compete, and this is the only spot on my resume. From the moment I lost, I knew I had to come back to fulfill the duty of my career. This is the goal that I will definitely pursue.
– It looks like this revenge will take place on July 23. Who is your favourite?
– It’s complicated. I knew Usyk would win the first fight because of Joshua’s fight plan. Prior to that, he outboxed the older Kubrat Pulev. People sang his praises, and we, as fighters, make mistakes by letting other people say how good we are and what good boxers we have become. It’s a simple thing, but it comes with experience. But this time he learned from experience and I know he will get better. And he’s the bigger unit in the ring. So I think if he stays active he has a good chance of making an upset and getting his crown back.
– He has now invited (to coach) Robert Garcia.
“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. You have to wait and see. I just think that the plan for the fight, the attitude and how the first fight went – only this will allow him to show something different.
With Whiskers, Joshua should be a lion, not a kitten – Diamante