“Knock me out? Simms is going to run like a bitch!”
PC: What’s the latest with you?
JR: Pretty much the WBA playing games. They’re holding me hostage and not letting me fight. In some kind of crazy way, I’m being punished for winning the title.
PC: How frustrating is that for you?
JR: It’s very frustrating. I think I should have been told how winning this title was going to affect my career. I just don’t understand what’s going on. They can’t get it right. Their holding me hostage, but yet their letting Alcine do a regular fight to stay busy and if he loses, he still would be my mandatory. That’s insane. It’s not ok for the champ to fight to stay busy, but the mandatory can? These people are killing themselves, I mean damn! That can’t look good.
PC: I know the politics of boxing is taking its toll on you. How are you holding up mentally and physically?
JR: It’s very hard. It’s very hard getting up in the morning, running and going to the gym to train and spar, not knowing when your next fight is. I don’t know if I need to be sparring with southpaws to get ready for Simms or boxers to get ready for Alcine. I don’t know what I’m doing. To make matters worse, I don’t know when I’m fighting. It’s getting ridiculous already. I have no choice but to stay up mentally. I know only time will tell, but as for now, I’m just biding time. I think they both need to be held responsible for this (DKP and WBA).
PC: Do you think you’ve been treated fairly by your promotional team in this situation?
JR: I definitely think they could have done something. Their busy with their heavyweights and their money guys, but I am their fighter. If they don’t have time for me, I have no problem going my own way. I just don’t want to be held hostage.
PC: What do you think about Simms saying you’re not the real champion?
JR: Here’s a guy that hasn’t fought in 2 years and he still believes he’s the champion. That tells you where his mind is at. The guy is delusional. He really does think he’s the champion. What kills me is he thinks he’s this great fighter. What the hell has he done? Who has he beaten besides Garcia? You look at his record and tell me what he has done to warrant, in his words, the title of one of the best pound for pound in the world. He tells me I’m not on his level. What has he done? I’m a 2 division world champion. This guy is insane. When that fight does happen, I’m going to prove to you guys and show you guys that Simms is a fraud. I’m going to expose him. He’s going to run. Knock me out? He’s going to run like a bitch. I hope he stands their and tries to knock me out, please! That would make the fight so much easier for me. I know he’s going to run like a bitch.
PC: So, in no way do you see him trading with you?
JR: Hell no! He aint got the balls to trade with me.
PC: What’s the chance you think we’ll see you in the ring before 2007?
JR: I don’t think it’s very good at all. We’re already in November and they’re going to do a purse bid some time, so that’s at least 60 to 90 days. It will be some time next year. I was told I would fight again this year, but you know….
PC: On a lighter note, I know you would like to speak about Mike Oliver’s victory.
JR: Ah man, that was great. He pretty much dominated the fight. He’s moving up to another level now and I’m proud of him for the way he fought.
PC: We’ll close this one off, but is there anything you want to say in closing?
JR: I just want to tell my fans that I’m sorry, but it’s not my fault. I’ve wanted to fight since July or August, but I’m being held hostage. If it comes down to me having to relinquish my title to fight, then maybe that’s something I have to look into. I hope it doesn’t come to that.
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