In this interview I spoke with veteran Heavyweight and former top 10 contender, Monte Barrett, in which we discuss the present and the future of the heavyweight division, the 2 marquee fights coming up, Mayweather/ Canelo and Pacquiao / Rios, some important heavyweight fights that are coming up and his future plans plus much more.
Robert Brown: Monte could you please tell our readers how you fell in love with the sport of boxing and why you decided to become a pro fighter?
Monte Barrett: I got involved with boxing through association; I grew up fighting in the streets. A friend of mine introduced me to Al Davis aka pops…
The rest is history.
Robert Brown: How did the nick name ‘Two Gunz’ originate.
Monte Barrett: Pops gave me the name because of the way I was hitting hard with both hands and he said you are shooting these guys down like you have two guns.
Robert Brown: America for a long time has been crying out for its new heavyweight star, we recently saw Seth Mitchell get knocked out by Chris Arreola, and Wilders record is somewhat padded, do either of these two in your mind have the potential to become champions?
Monte Barrett: In boxing you never can count anyone out, I guess time will tell. I think Wilder has a much better chance, he’s young long and strong
Robert Brown: Are there any bright young heavyweights coming through the system we have not seen yet?
Monte Barret: As far as future heavyweights I think we might see a major upset October 5 as far as prospects, I haven’t seen one to make me take a second look and say wow. I’m sure they are out there I just haven’t seen one yet.
Robert Brown: The biggest marquee heavyweight fight coming up is Haye vs Fury, you succeeded in Putting Haye down, could you please tell us the Keys of how to hurt Haye and what Fury must do to beat him, as well as your prediction for that fight?
Monte Barrett: The second biggest fight after Wladmir and Alexander but I’m not a fan of Fury even though his humour confidence and ring antics are very entertaining I see him getting stop by Haye by the ninth round. He doesn’t know how to fight but he knows how to talk for sure. He needs to be a stand-up comedian.
Robert Brown: Give us your thoughts on Manny Pacquiao coming back against Brandon Rios after such a devastating knockout against Marquez, what sort of lingering effects may that KO have on his performance going forward, how dangerous of an opponent Is Brandon Rios for Manny Pacquiao at this stage of his career
Monte Barrett: Pacquiao?s back is against the wall but I think he will do well. I was never impressed by Rios, more hype than fight. Knockouts happen and even though that was an ugly knockout I think he will make the adjustments and come back stronger and impressive.
Robert Brown: There are two massive fights coming up on September 14 Mayweather Vs Canelo and Garcia vs Mathysse, could you give us some thoughts, and your prediction for those fights?
Monte Barrett: Mayweather is in a class by himself besides his hard work I’m impressed with the way he makes adjustments. I do think this will be the hardest fight mentally for Floyd. Canelo is young dangerous and strong, don?t forget he has the blueprint for Oscar… Lol
Saturday will be the first time Floyd can possibly get out his comfort zone, fights like this reminds us why we love boxing so much. Floyd by split decision.
Matthysse will stop Garcia in the later rounds he’s underrated and Garcia is over rated, it will be the best undercard fight we’ve seen in a long time
Robert Brown: How much will Mayweather or Pacquiao’s legacy be defined by not fighting each other?
Monte Barrett: I don’t think neither Floyd or Manny legacy will be effected, it?s been many fights that the fans wanted to see that never happen, Bowe vs Lewis Tyson vs Holyfield/prime.
Both fighters have accomplished so much in the square that it will keep their legacy intact. People hold on to memories and you can’t remember something that never happened.
Robert Brown: Do you think the cold war between the promotion companies and TV networks will ever be resolved, how much damage is being done to the sport as a result of these actions?
Monte Barrett: Whoever can make the biggest deals with the biggest money gains power and control and gains the respect of the fighter who loves getting paid and rewarded by their fruits of labour. This will be a business first and foremost and it will always be a struggle in the sport without delegation and order. There’s no degree for boxing just self-gratification, boxing as rewarding as it is, is a very selfish sport. In every way good bad and indifferent.
Robert Brown: in your mind what are the keys to beating a Klitschko and if given the opportunity how would you rate your chances of beating one?
Monte Barrett: First read the book the art of war and study your enemy?s strength and weakness, knowing your opponent makes a big difference. Not only do the Klitcschko brothers do boxing they live it. I was in Spain with Wladmir for a month and his approach about boxing is the same as a doctor about to give open heart surgery. I think Wladmir will have his hands full with Alexander if Alex takes the extra step to put and keep Wladmir in that uncomfortable space.
Robert Brown: Describe your future plans going forward?
Monte Barrett: My future plans in boxing are to hopefully have one more fight and bow out gracefully. I would love to fight Cameron again if possible, I?ve reached out on several occasions but there not interested. I?ll still live and love boxing because it?s been my life for the past twenty years so you will hear or see me around pretty soon… God bless.
I would like to thank Monte Barrett for his time that he gave towards this interview and I wish him luck in his future endeavours.
