Boxingtalk caught up with the impressive prospect Verquan Kimbrough (14-0-1 7KO) and discussed his upcoming fight against the hard hitting Alberto Gonzalez (12-2-0). This fight will be for the IBA Featherweight Title, and will take place at the Mountaineer Race Track in Chester West Virginia, on April 13th.
BT - Verquan you have a big fight coming up against Alberto Gonzalez, this fight is for the IBA Featherweight Title, talk about the fight.
VK - I am really excited, and I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to fight for this title, this is what it is all about. I have been dreaming for this opportunity ever since I was a little kid. It first started with the Olympics, I got to travel all around the world, and while doing that I have always dreamed of fighting for a title, and that's exactly what I am about to do.
BT - Verquan, you have a very extensive and successful amateur career, talk about it some.
VK - I started fighting when I was 11yrs old, I won national titles, the Golden Gloves 3 times. I then went on and won the US trials, and the US open, and then I started traveling around the world fighting with the U.S.A team when I was 17. It was a great experience to fight over-seas because I got to see how other people train and fight. I turned pro about 3 years ago, and it's totally different from the amateurs.
BT - How difficult was it for you make the transition from amateurs to pro's ?
VK - The transition for me was awkward, you are taking off the head gear, and putting on lighter gloves. I was used to the point system, and I was used to trying to convince judges based on points/punches. In the pro's they look at who's stronger, and who is dominating the fight. If the judge in the amateurs hits the wrong color switch when you're fighting, you lost that point.
BT - You fight Jose Gonzalez for the IBA Featherweight Title, what do you know about this guy?
VK - Man, it's like the bull vs the matador you know? He's a great fighter, he comes to fight. This guy will come to fight, and if you want to see a great fight come and see this fight. This guy is coming to win, just like I am coming to win.
BT - What style of fighter are you?
VK - I am a boxer/puncher. I am a Sugar Ray, Pernell Whitaker, and Floyd Mayweather wrapped up in one.
BT - How has camp gone so far?
VK - I have been here for 6 weeks, I live, sleep, and breath boxing right now. I am keeping my body very well conditioned so I can perform well. When I am conditioned, it brings out the great fighter that I am. I love the training camp, it is the difference between a world champ, and just a fighter. Someone that wants to be a World Champion is someone who doesn't mind leaving their home to go train for weeks at a time.
BT - Talk about 2006, where would you like to see yourself by the end of the year?
VK - I would like to see myself on HBO and getting nice TV fights by then. I believe now is my time, now is my time for these guys to throw me in their with real fighters. When I was an amateur I was used to fighting the top fighters in the country, and now that I am a pro, I want to fight the top pro fighters in the world right now. I can see myself becoming the World Champion, and I plan on doing it at multiple weight classes.
BT - Talk to the boxing fans out there, and tell them what they can expect out of you on April 13th.
VK - To all of the boxing fans out there, if you want to see a great performance, a great fight, I guarantee you will get your money's worth. I have the charisma, I have speed, I have character, and I have class. I hope you all come out to the fight, and have a great time!
M
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