One on One Interview with Naazim Richardson
What is the baddest trainer in the sport up to right now?
NR- I?m doing just fine brother, you are far too kind, I appreciate the compliment.
I don?t know why you sound so surprised to hear me say that about you, you know it?s the truth. In fact whenever I ask any trainer, not just out here in Phoenix but trainer from all over. I ask who they think is the best and your name along with Freddie Roach and Nacho Beristain are the names I hear the most.
NR- Wow, that is great to hear. It really is, both Freddie and Nacho to me are great trainers, they are men that really understand boxing. Many trainers know boxing but few understand it. There is a difference there.
Same exact thing can be said about boxers. I mean you either fish or you get caught. It?s as simple as that. Floyd understands boxing, B-Hop as well, Andre Ward, Pac-Man, Khan, Malignaggi, guys like that, they understand it. In fact, Sergio Mora gets it as well. It?s just that guys like Malignaggi and Mora do not get the extra attention because the knockouts don?t pop out on their ledger. That?s why I feel that Mora will be a tough test for Mosley, your take?
NR- That?s the truth. I been saying exactly that. Which is why I was against Mora as an opponent for Shane. It?s like this, fans that really know boxing will appreciate the win over Mora but the many out there that don?t know boxing will say that Mora was no one big to begin with. You lose for winning. I know for a fact that Sergio Mora understands boxing, I have known that for a long time. You would have to be a fool to sleep on him and take him lightly. That?s why Shane is stepping it up to another level, Shane wasn?t happy with his last performance and he understands what lays ahead of him in Mora so you can expect to see the best Shane Mosley in there.
Speaking of Shane?s last performance, let?s assume that Mosley beats Mora, if Pac-man beats Tony which I feel he will, and if Floyd is still on deck, who would you like for Shane to face next? Pac-Man or the Floyd rematch?
NR- Well let it be known that we aint looking past Mora, but since you asked the question, it?s hard to pick. I know Shane would pick the rematch with Floyd because both Shane and I know that if given another opportunity there that Shane would close the show. The man?s neck tightened up on him, but still we take nothing away from Floyd, he did his thing. Shane vs. Pacquiao is gladiator vs. gladiator. It?s hard to pick.
Let?s talk B-Hop, Jean Pascal is up next for the living legend. Pascal picked Dawson apart for a while there on pure energy and shot selection. To the naked eye it will be written that Pascal will do the same to the much older fighter, but B-HOP isn?t exactly your ordinary older fighter is he?
NR- We all know what Bernard is capable of because he has turned back the hands of time, time and time again. I have talked to you before about the masterpieces, you remember that right?
Yes, you have touched on it before and listen, I agree with you but many will point towards the last fight fought, I mean after all it?s the last fight that fighters are measured by.
NR- I agree, but when you get hit on the back of your head more than once, things do not look the same for you for that night. Many felt that Bernard should have walked away after the Trinidad masterpiece, but Bernard knew that he had more masterpieces in him. Like the De La Hoya masterpiece, then the Pavlik masterpiece, then Tarver. A lot felt that after the Pavlik fight that Bernard should have retired then, but I disagree because X knew that there were still questions left on the table that needed answers. I?ve known Pascal and have kept a close eye on him for years, I know that he is very athletic and tough but X is a different kind of animal.
Steve Cunningham is another animal, I want to see him smash Huck again. I talked to Steve yesterday for a few and asked him if he has gotten used to that big bear mountain up there and Steve said that the only time he is used to it is when he aint driving on it. I was glad to hear that Steve is out there with you guys, What?s next for Steve?
NR- Steve is very dedicated and shows great determination. Yes, Steve is out here with us and he is also looking real strong and sharp, I too would also love for Steve to get it on with Huck, right now we are waiting but Steve is still staying sharp so that tells you everything you need to know right there about his hunger.
Alright my man, I see you gotta get going, thanks for the talk and good luck to all of you.
NR- Thanks a lot for the call, Good luck to you as well. Peace.
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