"I respect Ponce De Leon because he has been a world champion. He has a good record and I respect any man that has become a world champion. I think he's a decent fighter; strong and aggressive. I respect him as a fighterÂ…I'm excited about the exposure, so most definitely I'm going to use this stage. I will be coming with my A game and after this fight, the people will know who Cornelius Lock is and what he's all about," stated featherweight Cornelius Lock as he talked about his upcoming clash with Daniel Ponce De Leon this weekend on the undercard of Mayweather vs. Mosley. Check it out!
PC: How is everything going?
CL: Everything is going fine, so is my training.
PC: You're fighting Daniel Ponce De Leon, who is a southpaw like yourself. Are you comfortable fighting other southpaws?
CL: Actually, I'm kind of used to fighting southpaws. My team and my camp have me well-prepared. I think most southpaws like to fight orthodox fighters because we have more of an advantage, but it's not a problem with me fighting another southpaw.
PC: Ironically, both of you guys' last fight was against Orlando Cruz. You both stopped him. Is that a fight you can look at to gauge Daniel, being you have a common opponent?
CL: I was able to look at that fight and it appears he prepared with Cruz in preparation to fight me. I looked at how he fought Cruz and how I fought Cruz; it was 2 different fights and 2 different styles.
PC: Ponce has a good record and a high knockout ratio. What are your thoughts on him as a fighter?
CL: I respect Ponce De Leon because he has been a world champion. He has a good record and I respect any man that has become a world champion. I think he's a decent fighter; strong and aggressive. I respect him as a fighter.
PC: As I mentioned, both of your last fights was against Cruz, but he fought him recently in February and you fought him in September of last year. How do you not let ring rust be a factor in this fight?
CL: Just by preparing hard in the gym. I was prepared to fight months ago, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to fight because this fight came up. It was just smarter to wait and take this fight and not jeopardize anything by fighting on another show. I figured this is a big fight for me and I didn't want to risk it. I've been preparing properly with my team.
PC: What is it like for you to have this opportunity to fight on such a big card like this and showcase your talents?
CL: It's a blessing. I was glad to be on the last undercard and get the exposure. It gives me a great opportunity this time because I believe that people haven't seen the best Cornelius Lock perform at the best of my ability yet and I believe they will see that come May 1st.
PC: How much are you using this stage to let the fans know you are a threat?
CL: I'm excited about the exposure, so most definitely I'm going to use this stage. I will be coming with my A game and after this fight, the people will know who Cornelius Lock is and what he's all about.
PC: What can the people in attendance and watching the pay-per-view live expect from you my man?
CL: Speed, my boxing ability on display, punching power; the whole arsenal. They gonna see the best Cornelius Lock they have ever seen.
PC: What do you think will separate you guys in the ring on May 1st?
CL: I think my speed and boxing ability will be a big difference. Most of the guys that Ponce fought was stationary and right there for him to hit. I don't feel he has faced a guy of my caliber with my hand speed, my lateral movement and my boxing ability. I think my hand speed alone will win me the fight.
PC: Good luck man. I look forward to the fight. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
CL: I want to thank you. I appreciate you calling me and giving me the opportunity to do an interview. I gotta thank you guys and FightHype.com I appreciate it and hopefully, I will see you at the fights. Everybody tune in because you're going to get the opportunity to see the best Cornelius Lock.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]