GL: You're going to be challenging Chad Dawson for the WBC light heavyweight title on Showtime Championship Boxing this weekend, what can we expect to see from you on Saturday night? "I'm very happy about the opportunity to fight for the light heavyweight championship. I feel blessed and I'm definitely not going to waste this opportunity. I've been waiting for this for a long time and now in a few days I get to fulfill my dream."

GL: How do you see the fight playing out?

Epifanio Mendoza: "I'm going to pressue him in this fight and I'm pretty much expecting him to run all night."

GL: What do you think about Dawson as a fighter?

EM: "I know he's a good boxer, but he's not better than me."

GL: Is 175 your best weight?

EM: "This is my best weight, I feel strongest at this weight and I definitely feel that I'm going to become a title holder in this division."

GL: The rap on you has been, get out of the first round and you're fine. He's a killer in round one, get him in round two and you'll be fine.

EM: "You're exactly right, but I've gained a lot more experience and a lot more maturity than when I was trying to knock everyone out in the first round. I have a lot more in my arsenal and I'll show it to the world and prove it to everyone on Saturday night."

GL: How well prepared are you for this fight?

EM: "I was training for a title shot against Anthony Mundine. I was in camp already so I'm pretty well prepared for this fight."

GL: What would becoming world champion mean to you?

EM: "It would be a dream come true and a great accomplishment. I need to know what it feels like to be crowned world champion and I'll be able to do that this weekend."

GL: Are you viewing this as your last chance to reach the top of the mountain?

EM: "I'm going to take full advantage of this opportunity and be crowned world champion. I'm leaving everything in the ring."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

EM: "I'd like to thank God and all of my Boxingtalk fans. Let them know I'm not going to let them down. I'm going to be crowned world champion and then we're going to have plenty more interviews to do on Boxingtalk."

M,

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