"The thing is, with who was in this audience [his children], I was more of a father than a fighter that day. I've left the kids at home this time; I've brought some new voices in my corner who can go out there and push me. Hopefully the old Tony Thompson is back and not an old Tony Thompson....Whatever problems may have arisen, I've just stayed focused on where we are going. I went back to some of my old time methods and keeping my mouth shut and just working. We train all day and when we get in the ring, we do what we do best...we fight. I'm looking forward to getting in the ring and doing what I do best," stated heavyweight contender Tony Thompson, who spoke about his upcoming clash with David Price. Check it out!
GM: First of all, your upcoming fight with David Price is a big event in the UK. Has the American public seen it with the same eyes?
TT: Not really; not in America. I've always beeen more popular in Europe. I don't think anyone is even paying attention to it, especially with the way I went off against Klitschko in that fight. I think Americans pretty much think Tony Thompson has come to an end, which is just fine with me really. I don't give a shit.
GM: You've said before that boxing doesn't like you. Is it because of lack of talent on the U.S. heavyweight scene?
TT: Man, I think to some people, I've always been just a boring fighter, and when I did have my chance on the big stage, I fell twice. Nobody likes losing. I've had my shot; it didn't pan out. I don't get all the chances these other guys keep getting. I've always been the most consistent of the heavyweights [contenders] regardless. Hey, it doesn't matter. I think it's mostly TV's fault. They have their own perception of who they want to be the star and who they want to push. They've never really pushed my career. I had that one shot where [that happened]; it happened to be against Wladimir and you all know how that turned out, so.
GM: Were you motivated for the fight? The performance was pretty good against the Heavyweight champion of the world...
TT: (Cutting in) I was definitely motivated. It was a great opportunity for me. I gave it my all and was very confident going into the fight. You know, I've never really watched the fight. It took me damn near four years just to watch a replay of the fight and the moment I watched it, I felt those emotions of losing all coming back to me.
GM: What about the second fight? What do you feel went wrong for you in that fight with Wladimir?
TT: It's like I always tell people, there is so much in boxing outside of just the boxing. Injuries, your health; there are just so many things that play up and do their part. I never really got to the fight mentally. I never, as Tony Thompson. Everybody is used to seeing me aggressive in the ring and I never got to that point. Even when I was moving and coming forward, I'm always trying to be the boss in the ring and I never really got to that point. The thing is, with who was in this audience [his children], I was more of a father than a fighter that day. I've left the kids at home this time; I've brought some new voices in my corner who can go out there and push me. Hopefully the old Tony Thompson is back and not an old Tony Thompson.
GM: Before your first fight with Wladimir Klitschko, you said you had a number of injuries and you were hampered. How has training been going this time around?
TT: There haven't been any problems. To me, it has just been...I think they [his trainers] have just done a great job of putting the blinders on. Whatever problems may have arisen, I've just stayed focused on where we are going. I went back to some of my old time methods and keeping my mouth shut and just working. We train all day and when we get in the ring, we do what we do best...we fight. I'm looking forward to getting in the ring and doing what I do best.
GM: Is this the last chance saloon for Tony Thompson?
TT: Wouldn't you say it? [Everybody nods] Then I haven't got to say it.
GM: Is the hunger still there?
TT: I think so; I really do. When I see me having to quit if I lose...I can't really come to grips with that. The only way you you can change that is to win. I will never just be a side piece, where I'm not a main player. I started that way...I'm not going to finish that way. In order to stay on this big stage, I have to beat big time people.
GM: What's your remaining ambitions in the sport if you were to beat David Price on Saturday?
TT: I want to fight Vitali. God's honest truth, I want to get back and fight Wladimir. People laugh, and I know Wladimir beat me twice and he has no reason to fight me at all. He despatched of me twice and one time quite easily. I want a fight with Vitali. If I can take his belt, Wladimir will come running then. But if Vitali doesn't fight me, Povetkin! But I know his people will never let him agree to fight me. But then, if not, then their is Tyson Fury, who's been talking a whole lot of smack about me. He really doesn't want to fight me. Even the old Tony Thompson he doesn't want to see. So I say to him shut the fuck up. Nobody wants to hear your shit, man. The one thing I give Price's people [Frank Maloney Promotions] credit for is they stuck their guy in with me. They didn't talk a load of bullshit. Tyson Fury's people hide their fighter behind a whole list of sub-standard fighters and they claim he's such a big thing. Shut up Tyson; nobody wants to hear your shit.
GM: Finally, are you afraid of the power that David Price possesses in both fists?
TT: I've fought the hardest puncher in the divison [Wladimir]. I won't be worrying about it. Nobody likes to get hit, so to me, everybody hits the same. The trick is don't be in the way. Price...maybe he does hit harder than Wladimir, but my job is still to get the hell out of the way.