"I’m not going to dodge anyone to get to the top"

In the second season of The Contender, Grady Brewer took a split decision victory over Steve Forbes to become the reality show's winner.  However, a knee injury kept him from capitalizing on his big win, and Brewer was sidelined for all of 2007.  With 2008 just around the corner, Brewer sees big things on the horizon for his career, and he spoke with BoxingTalk about what his plans when he gets healthy.  Brewer also tells his fans to be patient, because once he's back to 100%, he's going to make a quick run to the top. 

Boxingtalk:  Grady, we didn’t see you fight at all in 2007.  What have you been up to?

Grady Brewer:  I’ve been suffering from a knee injury.  The surgeries I had were successful, but I still had pain in my knee.  I’m supposed to have another surgery soon where they will replace some cartilage in my knee, and that will fix everything.

BT:  When do you expect to get in the ring next?

GB:  Hopefully by July of ’08.  I’ll do the surgery, rehab, and then get back into contention.

BT:  Do you have an opponent that you’d like face to prove your back and one to be reckoned with?

GB:  I don’t want to mention any names now, because they can vary.  I was supposed to fight everybody before my surgery.  I hope I can get back even before it is expected.  I’ve never been 100% in my fights due to injuries, so now I want to be perfected when I come back.

BT:  Coming off a win against Steve Forbes, you could have used that victory to propel you to bigger fights, but then you were injured.  How much do you feel you have lost since the Contender championship fight?

GB:  I feel I lost a lot this past year.  It’s been a major upset for my career, but everybody knows what we do is dangerous, and you have to be 100% to be in that ring.

BT:  Do you feel The Contender series has helped your career or has it hindered it?

GB:  It’s definitely helped my career.  It allowed me to have another opportunity to get back on top.  I could have beaten a lot of the guys I lost to if I was 100%, and because of the Contender, it gave me the desire and knowledge that I can beat any one of these guys that I lost to in the past.

BT:  What does 2008 have in store for Grady Brewer?

GB:  A quick title run.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it.  I’m not going to dodge anyone to get to the top.  Either I have it or I don’t, that’s what my attitude is going to be.

BT:  What would you like to say to your fans in closing?

GB:  Please be patient with me.  Allow me to fulfill my dreams of becoming world champion, and know that when I’m healthy I can beat anybody.


 

M

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