The following is an interview with Ray Mercer from TouchGloves.com:
Ray, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Your last boxing match was in August 2005 against Briggs who is now a World Champion and your last MMA fight was in March of that same year. Tell us why you are taking this fight against Kimbo Slice?
This fight gives me something to do really. It's something that I've always wanted to do. I want to be known as a crazy boxer who is a tough guy who will do almost anything. Basically, I'm taking the fight because I think I can win.
A lot of people are saying that at the age of 46 you have no business in the ring. Would you like to respond?
When they get to 46, if they don't feel like they don't need to be doing anything, then good. Ray Mercer, and there is only one Ray Mercer and he is 46, and he is getting into the Ring. I don't care about what anyone says. It's not going to make a difference because somebody says I'm too old. I'm not going to listen to them and say I'm too old. I'll let them do that when they get that age. I still feel young. I was the oldest guy on the Olympic Team. I've always been a late bloomer.
Prior to the making of this fight, had you heard of Kimbo or seen his fights?
Yes of course. I have seen two of Kimbo's fights.
What do you think of the past fights you've seen of Kimbo?
He's a street fighter. I've had some street fights of my own, where you come in hard, throwing hooks, throwing punches that don't even have a name. I feel as a professional boxer, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and former World Champion, that I can adjust to whatever I need to do. I have good people in my corner. I'm going to have everything I need to get in there and win. I took the fight because I think I can win.
What do you think are his biggest weaknesses?
He doesn't know how to box. That's what I think his biggest weakness is, he doesn't know how to box.
You predicted a 1st round KO. Do you still feel confident in that prediction?
Either he goes or I go. Thats the way I think its going to be. I'll be prepared for anything.
You've had two fights in MMA, what do you feel are the main differences between boxing and MMA?
I think MMA is much more dangerous. You have to be more alert than you have to be in boxing. You have a lot more to look out for. Its like your real gladiators out there fighting, it just is what it is.
Have you started training? What are the difference between training for boxing and MMA fighting?
I have started training. Definetely, Im training hard, but in this situation you have to make a lot of changes. I'm going through those changes right now and and I'm confident I can make them.
Game plan for the fight? Boxing or Ground?
I dont know. I might surprise everybody and go to the floor, who knows. [laughter]
Do you plan on continuing your MMA career?
Definitely.
Should we expect to see you in the boxing ring as well?
Definitely I will continue my career in both boxing and MMA.
Anything you want to tell the fans out there waiting for June 16th?
You know we've been crazy and things haven't changed. I'm going for it.
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