When you hear the drums of a Native American battle chant enter the arena, you know who's coming to the ring...Derek Hinkey. FightHype.com recently had the opportunity to speak with the super middleweight prospect. Derek (3-0, 3 KO's) is the oldest of the Hinkey brothers. After outstanding amateur careers, both turned pro this year. Derek took time out to speak about his immediate future, working with the Lane Brothers, what it was like to help Winky Wright prepare for Bernard Hopkins and much more.
CP: Congratulations on the great start to your career. Is it correct to assume that you will be returning on October 20th on the Let's Get It On card in Reno?
DH: Yeah, no doubt. Me and my brother both will be gettin it on in Reno again.
CP: You are Let's Get It On Promotions' first prospect. How has working with the Lane Brothers been?
DH: Man it's been great. The Lane Boys and their family are just a blessing.
CP: Recently you had the opportunity to work with Winky Wright and were shown on HBO's Countdown to Hopkins-Wright. Can you tell us about the experience?
DH: Oh boy, I think I've been really lucky to be blessed with great people in boxingÂ…Winky Wright and Dan Birmingham were really good to me. Winky is a champion inside an outside the ring. I learned a lot of knowledge from working with Winky, lots of knowledge, and then to top it off, got my skills and ugly mug on HBO. Couldn't be happier. Thanks also to Jacob Chavez and Kenny Rayford (FIGHT CLUB) for helping me get my foot in the door for that experience.
CP: Is there anything you and your trainers have been working on in preparation for your next fight?
DH: Well I'm working with Kenny Adams and we have a lot of work to do. He's developed my jab and power and also just winding down a bit. I'm really high strung and like to rock and roll and just have fun so he definitely keeps me chilled and sharp.
CP: You started your career a little later than most fighters. Why did you wait so long to join the professional ranks?
DH: Yeah, I did and when I have kids, I'm holding them back a little longer. I physically matured late. I grew an inch and a half last year, so I knew I wasn't done growing and mentally wasn't ready. Right now, I am physically on point. And most importantly, mentally ready cause the brain is the biggest muscle.
CP: For those who don't know, what are some of your amateur accomplishments?
DH: Well, I was Nevada Champion at 165 for five years in a row and regional champion three years. I had international fights and made the US elite team. Went to the western trials and lost to a cat I thought I beat, but the judges thought he won so that's the ropes. Hopefully I'll see him again in the future.
CP: You have been working with the tribes affected by the recent wildfires. Is there anything that we can do to help the efforts?
DH: That's funny you asked. Before I turned pro, I used to fight fires with the BLM and had a blast. So I would definitely like people to think about their actions before they head to the outdoors. Man, that's somebody's home out there and animals, so be respectful and careful.
CP: Thank you for your time. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
DH: Well first of all, thank you brother for the time to swing by and I hope this interview gave a little bit of who I am to everybody out there and let them know they can come holla at me anytime. I like to talk so it's not a problem. And I hope to see ya'll October 20th in Reno. LETS GET IT ON!