On Thursday night at the San Manuel Indian Casino in San Bernardino, CA, long time veteran Damon Reed 45-14 (32) will have the chance to garner the biggest win of his career when he takes on future hall of famer James Toney 72-6-3 (44) in a scheduled twelve round heavyweight bout. In this exclusive interview Reed speaks on his fight against the multiple champion and more, enjoy.
 
Benny Henderson Jr: You are just a day or two away from the James Toney fight, gives your thoughts on your preparation and the fight in general.
 
Damon Reed: Well, my training couldn’t been any better, at thirty-nine years old it couldn’t be, the fight is signed so there is no reason to bullsh*t now and joke around now, I am ready, I haven’t been this ready for a fight in ten years. Granted I am fighting James Toney, he is a future hall of famer, I am excited about having that on my resume, but make no bones about it, I am coming to win this fight. For James Toney to stop me he is going to have to kill me, I haven’t felt this way in a long time. Hopefully James comes in around the 240’s/250’s and overlooks me in the ring, why wouldn’t he not over look me, I haven’t done anything. I have had some good fights and things like that but this is the pinnacle on a great boxing career that I have had. A kid from Topeka Kansas and going out here and beating James Toney which I plan to do it is the icing on the cake man.
 
BH: You said yourself why would James Toney take you seriously, I have a couple friends that have recently seen Toney and told me that if never knew he was a fighter you couldn’t tell it by looking at him. I heard he doesn’t look any better than when he fought Randy Couture in the UFC, now again that is just hear say. But it may seem like he is over looking you, and if so do you feel that is one of your biggest advantages?
 
DR: You said that you heard that James Toney is out of shape looking?
 
BH: That is what I heard, but then again he always looks a bit out of shape.
 
DR: Well he definitely has been looking that way lately, if he comes in like he did against Randy Couture, then that is going to play into my advantage. Because look, if James Toney comes in under 230-pounds, he will probably be in a little bit of shape, he is not a bigger guy than me. He is only 5’10” I am 5’11”, I used to be 6’ but I lost a little over the years. But yes I think he is over looking me, but man my legs are ready, I am running miles on a consistent basis, my weight is good, I have been eating as healthy as possible, I haven’t had a drink of alcohol in eighty-three days, and I own two sports bars and grills so that is pretty hard for me. I am really excited about this fight, my trainer John Smith has been pushing me as hard as you can push, and it is exciting. Let the chips fall where they may and see what happens. I have never been one to lie down, I have been caught before yes, but you give me time like they did on this fight and it is going to be a good fight.
 
BH: If it makes you feel any better I am drinking enough beer for the both of us, so I have your back buddy. (We both laugh)
 
John Smith (Reed’s Trainer) : Damon has trained really hard for this fight.
 
BH: James Toney is known for his shoot from the hip ways, a bit mouthy at times, good at getting into his opponents head, has he tried his tactics with you yet?
 
DR: Actually he has been really cordial coming into this fight; he actually thanked me on the conference call. He has been nice and friendly, now he said when it comes to the fight he is going to get a knock out, but I expect that, we are not kissing we are fighting. He hasn’t been a jerk, to tell you what, I have a lot of respect for James Toney, but no I do not put him on a pedestal. I am thirty-nine he is forty-two, he has been hit by guys like Samuel Peter, listen to him talk and to me talk, who has had the harder fights. It is what it is man; I am prepared and mentally prepared, so let’s go get it done man.
 
BH: If you could send any message out to James Toney using Boxingtalk as a platform what would you say?
 
DR: It is a pleasure to fight you, it is awesome to fight a future hall of famer, but do not mistake kindness for weakness James, and you need to pack a lunch. If you are coming in here to get a quick little payday and get a win in boxing, that is not my game plan, but if it happens so be it, but I have no plans of being an easy pushover. First off, I appreciate the opportunity, it is awesome to fight a future hall of fame fighter, I have looked up to him since he fought Roy Jones Jr. He is one of the toughest guys on the planet, but he is not the fastest guy in the world or the hardest puncher so he better pack a lunch because it is going to be a good fight for the people.
 
BH: Anything you would like to add to or say in closing of this interview?
 
DR: I appreciate Empire Sports, I had a great career and this will be the icing on the cake to come out here and have a great performance and beat James Toney.
 
John Smith: Do not underestimate this Midwest fighter.
 
DR: We put a lot of time and effort in this fight, we fly out tonight, get our medicals done tomorrow, I am focused like I have never been focused before. I do know that I am going up against a tall challenge and I know people are not giving me much of a chance. I hope James Toney is overlooking me, I appreciate this opportunity, pack a lunch because it is going to be a good night.
 
 
 
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