by James Slater – I have been watching Vinny Maddalone fight for around five or six years now, and also, for the purposes of interviews for this web site, I have spoken over the phone with the Queens, New York warrior a number of times. However, it was just this past Monday that I finally got to meet the crowd-pleasing heavyweight slugger in person for the first time.
Meeting up with the 36-year-old at his Queens bar and grill, I (along with my wife) was treated to a great night, during which the always-friendly tough guy welcomed me like a real friend. Happily talking about all things general in boxing, along with answering questions about his own career, Vinny had the following things to say:
James Slater: It’s great to finally meet you in person, Vinny!
Vinny Maddalone: You too, James (giving me a big hug and a firm hand shake).
J.S: I must say, your bar and grill is great. I especially love the photos and memorabillia on the walls (there are numerous photos of numerous fistic greats: such as Ali, Marciano, LaMotta and Robinosn; along with some action shots of Vinny himself). Can I ask you, what’s the latest on your career? It looked like you’d maybe get a fight with Shannon Briggs?
V.M: Yeah, I thought i had that fight, but I think he’s pretty much got the fight with Vitali Klitschko now. I think Shannon will fight Vitali in Germany.
J.S: Do you give Briggs a shot?
V.M: Well, no, not really. Shannon’s got two strong rounds, but after that he runs out of gas. I can’t see anyone beating the Klitschkos right now to be honest. Sam Peter, who’s getting that rematch with Wladimir, he at least has a puncher’s chance. He knocked Wladimir down like three times the last time – I know some of the punches were to the back of the head, and let me tell you, those punches really take away your equilibrium – and he will be dangerous in September.
J.S: Getting back to Briggs; how would you have fought him – would you have taken it to him right away?
V.M: No, just the opposite. I’d have been careful early, for those two great rounds he has, and then looked to have come on real strong when he tired.
J.S: It’s a shame you don’t have that fight now, but will you fight again this year?
V.M: Oh, absolutely. Something will come up, maybe just a local type fight. I’m around 240-pounds right now, and I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym. I’ll start light training on Wednesday. Hoppefully, an offer to fight abroad will come up again.
J.S: The last time we talked, it was suggested you may face our guy in the U.K, Tyson Fury. Maybe that could still happen?
V.M: I hope so. As you know, I’d love to fight in England. That would be a great fight for me I think.
J.S: He is unbeaten, but he ran out of gas last time out, in his return with John McDermott. If he’d been in with a banger like yourself, he could’ve been in trouble!
V.M: Yeah, I saw that fight on You Tube. He’s not been put in real deep yet and he’s still young. I’d love to come over for that fight.
J.S: Talking about another heavyweight from England; what do you think of David Haye? Will he ever fight a Klitschko?
V.M: I think he’s a good fighter. I don’t know if he’s just biding his time [with regards to facing a Klitschko] or if he doesn’t want it. Maybe he’s looking to get a couple more paydays in, and then go for it next year.
J.S: His fans are starting to lose patience. It could be like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao – will that fight ever happen!?
V.M: Oh, I can’t understand that at all. Floyd is turning down like millions of dollars. I’m not sure if Floyd really wants that fight. I don’t think he wants to risk losing. But to me, if I turned down $30,000 I’d be upset (laughs); never could I turn down such a massive fight like that!
J.S: Well, the fans love you for that, Vinny, in that you will fight anyone.
V.M: That’s what it’s all about, pleasing the fans.
J.S: It’s a pleasure as always, Vinny. When do you think we can expect to see you back in the ring?
V.M: Definitely this year, probably around October time. Then, as I say, hopefully Joe [DeGuardia] will get a call about another overseas fight. I fought [Jean Marc] Mormeck in France and [Denis] Boystov in Germany. I loved the whole experience – even though I think I’d have had Mormeck in real trouble if the fight had been set for 10 rounds, as i thought it was – and a fight in England would be great.
J.S: Well, I hope it happens for you, preferably against Fury – that would be a 50-50 fight in my opinion.
(Vinny was then kind enought to show some of his fights on video in his bar. All in all, a great night, a great guy and a great interview!)