“I’ve been sparring with some of the best fighters in the world and I know I’ll be ready for war against Krael...It just so happens to be TMT fighters that I’ve been up against of late. These guys are no joke and I will have to be on my game to win in their backyard,” stated up-and-coming welterweight Keith Hunter, who talked about his upcoming clash with Cameron Krael. You don't want to miss what else he had to say. Check it out!
PC: Keith, how has preparation been for your fight Friday night against TMT’s Cameron Krael?
KH: Training camp has been very hard, but all that hard work is about to pay off. I’ve been sparring with some of the best fighters in the world and I know I’ll be ready for war against Krael.
PC: In your last fight, you defeated a hot TMT fighter in Sanjarbek Rakhmanov. You trying to become the “TMT Killer” or what?
KH: Man, I’m just willing to fight anyone they put in front of me. It just so happens to be TMT fighters that I’ve been up against of late. These guys are no joke and I will have to be on my game to win in their backyard. Right now, I’m focused on Krael, who is going to be a very tough fight.
PC: Sam’s Town Casino is kind of like a home game for Mayweather Promotions. Not saying that you’re anticipating foul play, but your last fight was there against a TMT guy and you won a split decision. Did you feel it was split and do you feel any pressure to go even harder in this fight?
KH: Fighting on Mayweather Promotions cards has always been fair and I have no worries about the judging. I was in a dog fight last time I fought there and I’m expecting the same thing this time around. I do feel I have to come hard in this, but not because of possible bad judging, but because I’m going against a very good fighter in Krael.
PC: Krael is on a 3-fight winning streak. Being that you are both based out of Vegas, how much do you know about him and have you guys ever crossed paths sparring or anything?
KH: Yes, we fought a couple of times in the amateurs. We both have wins against each other. I beat him once and he beat me once. We are both familiar with each other and it’s going to be a very strategic fight.
PC: He has a major experience advantage over you as a pro. What do you feel you need to do to not let his experience be a factor in this fight?
KH: Although he has the experience in the ring as far as fights under his belt, I’ve been sparring world champions since I turned pro. I’ve been in the ring with some of the best fighters walking the planet, so I don’t think his experience is going to be a factor.
PC: You come from a fighting family. Michael Hunter is your older brother and he’s been red hot lately. What lessons or advice has he given you that’s really stuck out in your mind?
KH: My brother Mike is an inspiration to me and I look up to him. He always tells me to try to relax as much as possible when I’m in any fight. When I relax, I have my best performances.
PC: What type of performance are you looking to put on Friday night? What do you want to showcase?
KH: I really want the knockout. If I get him hurt, I’m going to finish him. The one thing I really want to showcase is my boxing ability. I know if I land a punch he doesn’t see coming, he’s going to get knocked out. For that to happen, I need to set up my shots with my boxing and footwork.
PC: You’re a six-foot welterweight. You came in well under the limit in your last fight, so I take it that you don’t have a difficult time making weight. What do you feel will eventually separate you from the pack in the division when you’re ready to hit your stride?
KH: I have no problem making weight, so I’m very strong for this weight class. My height and reach will be a problem for anyone in the division. In addition, I believe my boxing IQ is better than most fighters out there. I can make adjustments on the fly with ease. I’m just an all-around complete fighter.
PC: Good luck to you Friday night. I look forward to speaking to you afterwards. Is there anything else you want to add before I let you go?
KH: I just want to thank everyone who’s been by my side since I started this journey. If you want to watch this fight, please check it out on the Mayweather Promotions Facebook page. I’m ready to take my career to the next level with a decisive victory.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]