Former contender for the world heavyweight title (up to 90.7 kg), and now a heavyweight fighter (over 90.7 kg), American Michael Hunter (21-1-1, 14 KOs) gave
interview for the British media.
The American came to watch the fight of his former amateur opponent, the unified light heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg) Canadian Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) against the former British challenger Anthony Yard (23-3, 22 KOs). Hunter spoke about Beterbiev, commented on the upcoming fight for the title of undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk-Fury and talked about ex-UFC champion Nigerian Francis Ngannou in boxing.
“I’ve heard rumors that you’ll get together with Joseph Parker after a while. Is Joe Parker on your list of goals?
Yeah, he’s definitely one of those guys. He agreed to fight me. I think it will be a good fight and an exhibition fight.
– Why is it so difficult for you to find an opponent?
– I dont know. They say I’m a bigot even though I’m the smallest guy in the division. I think it’s just because of my awards, my history. I came from a family of boxers. I just think that I’m famous in our circles and no one wants to do business with me. It’s hard with me.
– You know Beterbiev firsthand, because you fought him as an amateur. What was it like being in the ring with him?
– He is very experienced. I always try to convey this. Even if he doesn’t look good on his feet, he knows very well how to catch these boxers with timing. Maybe he needs a little time to get into his rhythm and understand your timing. He is good at miscalculating such fighters. And this is a very rare thing. This is a very important attribute that Beterbiev has.
What is your opinion on Anthony Joshua’s collaboration with Derrick James? Joshua will go up against Jermain Franklin. Is the choice of coach and opponent good?
— I respect Derrick James. He is a coach who values the fundamentals very much, which is good. Very simple. I won’t say it’s purely basic, but I’ll say it’s very focused on simplicity. I think that’s what Joshua needs. I think he got a little out of touch with himself. If he returns something very simple, it will suit him perfectly.
Bellew on Joshua’s comeback, compared Franklin to Usyk
– Fury vs Usyk – what is your opinion about this fight?
– I think Usyk will give him the heat. I think Usyk will have a problem with hitting Tyson Fury hard, getting respect in those early rounds and in the eyes of the judges. I think he needs to dominate somehow. It will be okay for him to lose those first few rounds because Tyson Fury is the authority in the ring. I think Usyk is very adaptable. He won the Olympics, he was in many serious scenarios, but he found a way out of them. So I believe that this time it will not be different and he will find a way to get the victory.
“Francis Ngannou wants to move into boxing, he wants to fight Tyson Fury, he wants big fights and you are a big guy.
– With me [смеётся]? I would really like this fight. If he came to boxing, of course. I won’t let him grab me [смеётся]. Anyone can go against me. I feel like I’m the best in the world.
I’m sure you’ve seen him in MMA. In the early rounds he is very sharp, very fast, he has a lot of power. Do you think that he will be able to successfully move to boxing?
“I think he needs to do something like Jake Paul. They have a team, they look after him, direct him. He obviously has his own desires. And anyone can do something they focus on. If they have enough time and support, then he can be whatever he wants to be.