"I will say Roc Nation has treated us like gold. I really believe they are going to be one of the major promoters in boxing. They run a classy operation. But we got a guy that's gonna come in shape. He's from New York, so he should have plenty of fans there. And another thing that people think is that the age is on Dusty's side and that's not always the case...We have been in the gym and we have had terrific sparring and he's stepped up his game for this. Did he step it up for Tommy or did he step it up because this is Roc Nation and this is big and the big show? Me, I had him step it up for both reasons. We're just not taking nothing for granted," stated Buddy Harrison, father and trainer of undefeated welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison, who talked about their upcoming return to the ring on Roc Nation's first boxing card. Check it out!
PC: How is it going, Buddy?
BH: I'm doing alright. Percy, let me tell you something, I heard Dusty say he wants to look impressive and look good. We may have picked the wrong guy. This guy is slick, he's smart, he's a southpaw and he's always in shape. I'm not sure if this is the right guy to make a statement and look good. I hope that happens. We'll see.
PC: In the sports world, especially football, they have a term called a "trap game." Do you feel like this is a "trap fight" for your son Dusty because of everything you just said about Rainone?
BH: You know what it is. I will say Roc Nation has treated us like gold. I really believe they are going to be one of the major promoters in boxing. They run a classy operation. But we got a guy that's gonna come in shape. He's from New York, so he should have plenty of fans there. And another thing that people think is that the age is on Dusty's side and that's not always the case. He's older, so he may have been there and done that. The fact that he is older and not 20 means he's gonna eat right, he's going to sleep right, and train right because of his age. So sometimes that can hurt the younger fighter.
PC: When people start reading this interview, they will say this guy either has zero confidence in his son or he's playing one helluva mind game. Which one is it (laughing)?
BH: It's a mind game, but don't tell Dusty (laughing). No, trust me, I have all the confidence in the world in my son. We have been in the gym and we have had terrific sparring and he's stepped up his game for this. Did he step it up for Tommy or did he step it up because this is Roc Nation and this is big and the big show? Me, I had him step it up for both reasons. We're just not taking nothing for granted. You got 8 oz. gloves on. Anybody can get cut and everybody hits hard to me with 8 oz. gloves on. I don't care who they are. And the fun of it all is being back in the Garden. I mean, you would think we were back home in DC. We have a lady here that plans these bus trips and they bus them up and it's a blessing for Dusty to have such a following. I truly believe that's why he is able to get on these cards because he's a ticket seller. We got very lucky with that.
PC: How would you grade out his 2014?
BH: I would probably been able to give him a better grade, but truthfully in all honesty, I thought Michael Clark being 46-11 and he's been there and did that, I actually thought it was going to go into the late rounds. I never ever expected him to get stopped in the first round. And again, not taking nothing from Dusty, but we all know Michael Clark was throwing the right hand at the exact same time. It could've very easily been him on the end of that punch and not Michael Clark. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but to me, he's still a kid. He may not like to hear that, but he's just 20 years old. He's a kid. I'm 55, so I would think that.
PC: I like your honesty. You give honest assessments.
BH: But most people in this boxing game... I like it. I love the people at Roc Nation. Even though I like them a lot, it took awhile to meet them. He's 24-0 and we're just getting to know them and meet them. If I had another child and he wanted to box, I would let him do it, only to learn. I would never ever let him think of it as a career. Truthfully, it's like being surrounded by used car salesman. It's not good. And the fighters...I know some very good fighters who are ex-champions and DC got some very good fighters; unfortunately, most of the money doesn't even go to them. It's sad! It's funny because I heard Tommy Rainone on a radio station and the guy's pretty intelligent. He could manage fighters. When I was listening to him, I was like, "This guy could work with fighters or manage fighters." I don't know if he does or doesn't work with fighters or train them, but he could. He could be one helluva manager.
PC: I appreciate your time. We will definitely talk after the fight and best of luck to you guys. Is there anything else you wanna say before I let you go?
BH: Thank you very much. The pleasure was all ours. Call or stop by the gym whenever you are around anytime you want.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]