23.03.07 – By Geoffrey Ciani: Last Saturday night, heavyweight pugilist Brian Minto titivated his career when he put on a sensational performance against top contender, Luan Krasniqi. Krasniqi was awarded a unanimous decision in this very competitive bout which many felt Minto deserved to win.
Afterwards, I was fortunate enough to be afforded the opportunity to have a brief chat with Minto, and here’s what he had to say:
Hi Brian, what are your thoughts on the decision in your recent bout with Luan Krasniqi?
I thought I got robbed on points, I feel like I won the fight. Again, watch it on the internet; I was the much more aggressive fighter.
Krasniqi is a legitimate top contender and many people were surprised you were able to make for such a competitive fight. Was Krasniqi everything you expected he’d be when you were preparing for the fight beforehand?
Yeah, he is definitely a smart fighter, he is tall, lanky strong and fast. I took his best shots and he did not knock me out with one punch like he did with Goofy Whitaker, so I consider myself up there with the top guys in the world and I am going to keep on proving it.
In recent months, boxing has had several open-scoring experiments. If you knew what the judge’s scorecards were during the fight, what might you have done differently?
Well, over here I would have probably fought a smart fight in the last round but over there, you are looking at a French judge, a Spanish judge and a German judge along with a German referee, so you have to play like you are behind in every round. It is a shame that boxing is like that, and politics are such a big force in the game but that’s how it is.
If you were given the choice, whom would you most like to fight in your next bout, and why?
Well, I am not really sure but definitely I need to get a credible opponent and a win to get back on track and become a world champion. In boxing you always have to take chances, you have to take peoples spots, and hopefully, something good comes up. I have been getting phone calls already to fight again; they like me as a fighter. They like to watch me. I am exciting, I do not back down, I got knocked down in the last round and, hey, I could have laid there but I got up and kept on fighting—you know what, it makes for a great fight.
The heavyweight division hasn’t had a recognized champion since the departure of Lennox Lewis.What are your thoughts on the current crop of champion and how do you think you fit into the current heavyweight landscape?
Well, I think Wladimir Klitschko is one of the best right now. Where do I fit in? I think I am in the mix. I just have to keep proving myself. I have to be patient and keep taking the right steps and continue learning.
Who were some of your favorite boxers and other inspirations that made you become most interested in boxing?
I always liked Roberto Duran; Marciano was one of my favorites. I kind of relate to Rocky, Rocky learned as he went along like I am.
What is your ultimate goal in professional boxing?
To be able to have a great retirement and to become champion, but the first and most important is to stay healthy and to support my family. But my goal in boxing is just to become a champ and be a fan favorite fighter, and continue to gain people’s respect. I am a blue-collar boxer, I am a humble guy and do not put myself above anybody.
Please discuss the German fans, and why they seem to love you. Would you ever consider moving there and fighting over there?
I love the fans. They love me because I am a humble guy and I come to fight. I am not one to lie back like Krasniqi did that night by lying on the ropes and not fighting. I am a blue-collar fighter and I think any fan likes to see that. I am always the underdog, the under sized guy. Nah, but I doubt I’d move there, my family is here.
Brian, have you ever considered moving down in weight to the cruiserweight division. You’re considered small for a heavyweight. Can you trim down to 190 if you had to? And do you think you might fare better against other Cruiserweights?
Yeah I can do that but the money is in the heavyweight division, so why not fight in this division if you can be competitive and strong like I am doing now?
Who do you pattern your fighting style after? You kind of remind me of an old-school throw back, like a Marciano-type style.
That is exactly who I watch on tape. I watch how he crouches, bobs and weaves. Basically Rocky, LaMotta, Archie Moore, all old school fighters, that is who I try to mimic and fight like.
Do you have any predictions on the Cinco De Mayo showdown between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Junior?
I believe De La Hoya is going to have a spark under him, I am picking him to win, and it is going to be a great fight. I like Oscar. I am not much for show boaters, and I think Oscar can and will win.
Is there anything else you’d like to add, Brian?
Yeah, watch the fight on the Internet and score it for yourself. Give me your opinion and thanks for being a fan and I will prevail!
Thanks, Brian.
To learn more about Brian Minto, please visit his home page:
http://www.brianmintoboxing.com/
To contact Ciani:
geoff@eatthemushroom.com
To read more by Ciani, please visit The Mushroom Mag:
http://www.eatthemushroom.com/mag