Former two-time welterweight champion and 2002 Trainer of the Year James Buddy McGirt talked to Boxingtalk.com about a number of things including Antonio Tarver's performance against Glen Johnson. He shared his thoughts about Arturo Gatti's upcoming fight with Jesse James Leija and what they expect from when they step in the ring. He comments on the Mayweather fight as well as Monte Barrett. Don't miss what Buddy McGirt had to say.

Jose Aguirre: First of all, please give us your thoughts on Antonio Tarver's performance against Glen Johnson.

Buddy McGirt: "I believe he started a little too late. He was just a little lackadaisical."

JA: Why do you think this was the case? Did everything go alright in training for this fight?

BM: "Well when we got to L.A I believe he lost a little focus when we got to L.A."

JA: What do you mean by that? How do you feel Antonio lost focus?

BM: "I just feel there was too much going on around him."

JA: How is his hand doing?

BM: "His hand is fine. Everything is great. After the fight we met the next day and we talked a couple of days afterwards and he knows what he has to do now to
make it right."

JA: Let's speak about Arturo Gatti who has a fight coming up with Jesse James Leija on January 29th. How's training been going for that fight?

BM: "Training is going great. Going good."

JA: What are you expecting from Jesse James Leija?

BM: "Everything. We're preparing for everything."

JA: What did you learn about Leija when you worked the corner of Francisco Bojado in his match against him?

BM: "We knew all along that he had the experience and knew how to get by. He's a survivor. He didn't surprise me with anything that he did in the fight."

JA: What can we expect from Arturi Gatti come Jaunuary 29th?

BM: "Expect him to put on a nice show and victory."

JA: Has there been talk in the Gatti camp about a match with Floyd Mayweather Jr and is this fight the step there?

BM: "This is what I told him. Don't mention anything to me until the end of the month. They don't call me about anything. I don't like talking ahead."

JA: Give us your thoughts on working with Monte Barrett?

BM: "To be honest with you Monte is not coming to Florida for this fight. He's going to stay in New York. He wants me to work with him after this fight."

JA: So you won't be working with him for the Owen Beck fight?

BM: "No."

JA: Is there anything you want to say in closing?

BM: "I just thank them all for the support they have given me over the years."

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