"Just because you haven't fought here [United States], it doesn't mean you can't fight and he's got himself a title shot so we are definitely taking it serious," stated undefeated middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik as he talked about his upcoming clash this weekend with Gary Lockett. Check out what else he had to say as he talks more about Lockett, the fight, the possibility of a future showdown with Joe Calzaghe and much more.

RA: How are you feeling coming into this fight?

KP: Good, you know? It's been a hard training camp. We've been going at it at full force.
 
RA: Fight week, what are you weighing right now and when do you start to cut weight?

KP: I will probably start cutting today, but right now, I am about 163.

RA: So that's not such a bad cut, is it?

KP: Yeah, but the last pound and a half is usually pretty tough, but once I get it down, it will be easy.
 
RA: For 160, at 6'2", you're a very tall fighter. Have you always been the taller fighter?

KP: Yeah, pretty much until the last fight with Taylor. Taylor was probably an inch or half inch shorter than me, but most of the time, I am definitely the taller guy.
 
RA: Do you think that gives you an added advantage against your opponents?

KP: Sometimes I hit them so hard, the other fighter doesn't know where the punches are coming from and overall, I do think it gives an advantage.
 
RA: With the victories over Taylor, you're known as THE middleweight champ, however, there are two other titles out there. Is unifying the titles important to you?

KP: Oh yeah, definitely. The more you get, the better it is. Even though I am undefeated, there are other belts out there I still want.
 
RA: After back-to-back wins over Jermain Taylor, you are fighting Gary Lockett and a lot of the experts are saying Lockett is not on your level. Have you taken any extra precautions not to overlook this guy?

KP: Just because you haven't fought here [United States], it doesn't mean you can't fight and he's got himself a title shot so we are definitely taking it serious.
 
RA: With the added rumors of a finalized deal in the future to fight Joe Calzaghe, have those rumors made it even tougher to stay focused on this fight.

KP: No, that fight is not even close to being done yet. First of all, that is all talk and I got to take care of business on June 7th and then we will get it booked eventually.
 
RA: Gary Lockett does have 21 KO's and you have a solid chin. Every time you have been down, you have gotten back up to knockout your opponent. Does Lockett's power concern you?

KP: No. I have fought tough guys. Taylor is a big guy that can hit, you know? Plus Edison Miranda. So no, Lockett's power is not a concern unless you go ahead and put your hands down, but you always have to be aware.
 
RA: During the promotion for this fight, Bob Arum has talked about ticket sales not meeting expectations. Gas prices are crazy and not as many of the Youngstown fans are going to be able to make that drive. With Ohio being such a great fight state, has there been any talk of having a fight there?

KP: Yeah, right now there is talk of that, but right now there is just a lot of high school and college graduations. But a fight in Ohio, and especially Youngstown, is a definite possibility.
 
RA: How important a role has the South Side Boxing Club and Jack Lowe played in your development?

KP: Oh, it's been huge. Just everything we did, taking the right steps, and we always believed it and that was the main thing. Just the hunger, the training and being able to dedicate ourselves; all that and the whole package.
 
RA: Now a lot has been made of your race and you being such an exciting white fighter, however, I think you have done a great job downplaying and deflecting that issue. Would you agree that fighting is universal and if you can fight and put on a show, people are going to cheer and respect you?

KP: Oh yeah. Once you know I won the championship and became the best fighter in the weight class, it's not even a subject anymore.
 
RA: A lot of the race talk has come from your promoter Bob Arum. Bob is not afraid to say anything and he can get away with it. Do you ever sit there and say, "I can't believe he just said that"?

KP: Oh yeah, sometimes, you know, but that's part of the promotional gig and you know he has to do it, but yeah, sometimes I sit back and go, "wow, that's crazy."
 
RA: Your known as an exciting fighter and your known for the knockouts. Is it important for you and do you take pride in putting on a good show for the fans?

KP: Oh yeah. Well, I do, but I don't. I just love going out there and fighting my style. I don't really change it for anything.
 
RA: Prediction for Saturday night.

KP: Victory!
 
RA: I appreciate the time as the fight is approaching. Good luck Saturday night.

KP: I appreciate it. Thanks.