TysonJones

Steve Forbes Interivew 3/26/08

Hey Steve, How's it going? I finally got some questions together from the guys at BoxingForum and here they are. We greatly appreciate you doing this for us.

How is training camp going and what are you doing to make you stronger against Oscar?

Training Camp is going the same as always. I’m working the mitts a lot like always. Doing my roadwork. Its going good. I’ll be ready.

What music do you listen to during camp?

TI is my favorite man.

How did being in the Contender affect your fanbase?

It did, it got my name out there and I’ve got 2 fights on hbo since, and now it has got me the Oscar fight so I couldn’t say it hurt my name any. I felt I should have won the contender, and that disappoints me, but I think people know that I’m the best to come out of the contender series.

What weight is the fight being faught at?

149-150

Do you feel this is a disadvantage to you?

Not at all. I fought on the contender at around this weight so I’m pretty much used to it.

What do you think are your greatest strengths are against Oscar?

I think my speed and elusiveness are going to give him problems. I’m not going to run though.

Is the Oscar fight your dream fight, or is there someone else out there that you've always wanted to fight?

I’ve wanted to fight Ricky Hatton for the longest time, but the Oscar fight came along and I had to take it. Its about time I got a big fight.

Does the fact that people see you as the underdog against Oscar, give you more motivation in training camp?

Absolutely, But not everyone is counting me out and that support is giving me motivation. Oscar knows that this is more than just a tune up fight. He knows better than to look past me.

Have you and Sugar Ray Leonard remained good friends?

We have stayed in touch and he still gives me pointers every now and then when I run into him. He supports me and I thank him for that.

Have you lifted any weights since going up in weight?

Nah, I hardly ever lift weights.

Alot of fighters hit their opponent low or foul when they get in trouble during a fight. What are you thoughts on that?

I don’t do it.

What are your true feelings on the whole Roger Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather and Jeff Mayweather fiasco? I personally think it was a selfish thing Floyd did.

Well I’ve known Roger since I was 15 years old. He took me into his house and provided for me until I was 17. He actually helped me win my first world title. I think Floyd was just a little jealous of our history. It was a selfish thing that he did but now that I have Jeff in my corner, its time to resume training and that’s all that matters.

Do you regret not trying to unify the titles at 130 when you were champion?

I do, but what can you do? I would of liked to of faught Floyd Jr but at the time I believe Roger was training me so I don’t know if it would of ever happened anyways.

We greatly appreiciate you taking your time out to answer some questions for your fans. Thanks again Steve, and good luck.

__________________