23-year-old middleweight contender Jesse “Beast” Nicklow (20-2) speaks to BoxingScene.com about his upcoming fight versus Julius Kennedy (7-1) in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Nicklow rebounded from last year’s TKO loss to hot prospect Fernando Guerrero on ShoBox by defeating Scott Sigmon and enters this fight full of confidence. Nicklow talks about the keys to the fight and also weighs in on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito in this exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: Tell us about your upcoming fight versus Julius Kennedy on September 17th?
Jesse Nicklow: The fight is taking place on the 17th as you said at the Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. I trained hard and I can’t wait for the fight.
BoxingScene.com: Have you seen Kennedy fight before?
Jesse Nicklow: I have sparred with him before. He is the type of fighter who comes straight forward right at you. He is nothing special.
BoxingScene.com: What do you think will be the key to the fight.
Jesse Nicklow: I have to fight smart but basically if I use my jab and head movement then I shouldn’t have any problems.
BoxingScene.com: Assuming you get the win where do you want to go from here?
Jesse Nicklow: Who ever they want me to fight I will fight. Anyone in front of me it doesn’t matter. I want to go where ever the money is at. If that means going overseas to Europe then lets do it. I am ready for anyone.
BoxingScene.com: Last December you lost to Fernando Guerrero on Shobox. What went wrong in that fight?
Jesse Nicklow: I just got caught you know. Guerrero is a great fighter and when you fight someone like that you can’t make mistakes. I made mistakes and I paid for it. It was just one of those things.
BoxingScene.com: Would you like a rematch with him down the line?
Jesse Nicklow: Definitely.
BoxingScene.com: You are fighting at home. What time of crowd do you expect?
Jesse Nicklow: Oh four to five thousand. They really come out and support the fights here. I think this might be the biggest fight in Baltimore history.
BoxingScene.com: In November we have the Pacquiao-Margarito fight. Who do you pick in that fight?
Jesse Nicklow: I am going with Margarito. I went with De La Hoya. I went with Hatton and I went with Clottey. I can’t be wrong four times in a row can I (laughing)? I always go with the bigger guy. I think Margarito is too big for him.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Jesse Nicklow: Thank you for the support and always being there. Come out and watch the fight on September 17th. It will be a great show.
