Lightweight world champion Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey "The Spirit" Bey are deep into training camp and closing in on their main event battle on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Fla.
Both fighters have been training in Las Vegas before they head to southern Florida for their world title battle. Barthelemy trains with Ismael Salas at the Salas Boxing Academy while Bey works with his longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. at the Mayweather Boxing Club.
Here is what Mickey Bey had to say about training camp, their matchup and more:
What advantages do you believe you have because of your training team?
Mickey Bey: "Floyd Sr. has been my trainer for about 12 years. We've been together since I was a teenager and before I turned pro. He is an old school trainer and he knows the science of boxing.
"Being around the other Mayweather Promotions fighters provides a lot of energy to training because everybody is striving to be the best they can be. Whenever that's the case it's always a positive thing because the trainers know that's what you're after. Floyd Sr. and Floyd are the reason I moved to Las Vegas. It's been a blessing to be able to train with him for so long. We gelled from the beginning and I have definitely grown a lot as a fighter."
What does fighting for this belt mean to you?
MB: "Winning back this belt is really important to me. I still feel like it's mine. He's just been keeping it warm for me. I had to deal with the injuries but now I don't have to worry about babying my hand or anything like that."
What do you think this fight will be like stylistically?
MB: "You never really know until you're in the ring but it's going to be a fight between two skilled boxers. I have seen some footage but not too much because I don't really watch much tape. I saw him fight for my vacant belt but I can't get caught up in that because I'm different than anybody he's ever fought. I'm a lot more difficult than he probably thinks."
What skill advantages do you believe you have over your opponent?
MB: "I bring it all. I can do everything that can be done in the ring. Every single department, period. I do think he's a good fighter, I give him his props, he's a two-time world champion, but I don't think he can do one thing better than me."
What did you learn from your fight with Miguel Vazquez?
MB: "I found out how good I was because I was able to beat a guy that good with one hand. Going into it I already knew I was going to be fighting with one hand since it had been giving me problems. I couldn't let both hands go, so I had to strategically land more accurate shots. I couldn't let it become a high volume fight because I knew I wouldn't be able to respond with both hands. This is my first fight in four or five years with two good hands, so it's going to be a completely different ball game."
Are you concerned about fighting on the road in front of a crowd that is expected to be for your opponent?
MB: "They can't get in the ring for him. It's just going to be me and him. Nobody can get in the ring and help him. It doesn't add any pressure. I grew up hard, in a rough neighborhood and I've been through a lot so I'm numb to any pressure. I'm just ready to get in the ring with him."
What are your plans after this fight?
MB: "After this fight I'll be looking for another big competitive fight. I'm always looking for a challenge. That's why I'm in this fight."
Why do you believe you'll be victorious on June 3?
MB: "I'm a better fighter. It's that simple."
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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
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