Exclusive Interview by Charles White: Just ahead of his November 5th fight with Vincent Thompson (9-0 with 2 ko’s) at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA, heavyweight prospect Jonte Willis (8-1-1 with 3 ko’s) had the following things to say both about his opponent and in retaliation to Thompson’s words from an interview done 2 weeks ago. Don’t miss this witty, insightful interview!
CW: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview Jonte. How are you doing today?
JW: Ah no problem Charlie, I am doing swell thanks!
CW: What did you think of Vincent Thompson’s performance against Masataka?
JW: Sloppy, but he got the job done!
CW: After the fight, you stepped into the ring and announced a highly anticipated NW showdown between yourself and Thompson on November 5th. Shortly thereafter, the two of you exchanged words at close range. What did you say to Vincent and how did he respond?
JW: I just told him it’s time to do this, and he said alright ok.
CW: How long have you known Vincent, and have you always had a rivalry?
JW: Um Charlie I be knowing Vince maybe a little over a year, and we knew it would come to this at some point, but maybe not so fast.
CW: What does this fight mean to you exactly? Bragging rights? A genuine step towards a higher level, or perhaps a bit of both?
JW: I guess from the promoter’s stand point, it would only be good for bragging rights? Because he (Brian Halquist) is too cheap, and wants to save as much money as he can, and is not concerned about the fighters’ point of view at all!
CW: Obviously, you wouldn’t want to give away your entire gameplan, but what will you be looking to do in the ring come fight night?
JW: Have fat back for dinner (laughs). For those of you that don’t know what fat back is? It’s eating a pig from down south!
CW: A criticism that you and Vincent both share is a lack of heavyweight punching power. What do you say to these accusations and will you be looking to pump up the volume for Thompson?
JW: Well Charlie hmm? The critics will always say what they want and like. On the record they are right, we both lack big knockout power. Five of my ten opponents have been floored, and one was on his way before I got stupid! For Vince, two outta his nine opponents have been stopped, and that’s because they went into the ring with no legs, and forgot why they had gloves on! If he does not hold me this fight, I will be 9-1-1 with 4 KO’s.
CW: Does Vincent’s size advantage concern you at all?
JW: Yes if he tries and hold me!
CW: Vincent will be your biggest challenge to date; do you have any reservations at all ahead of this fight?
JW: No Charlie, Vince is not my biggest fight, but to the Pacific Northwest it is!
CW: Who have you been working with for this fight, and what kinds of things have you been doing in the gym?
JW: I been working at the slaughter house, trying to figure out which part of the pig is best to eat! That’s all I can tell you for now (laughs). Just know that I will be full after the fight (laughs).
CW: When I spoke to you after the Masataka fight, I noticed that you seemed to have put on a lot more muscle mass since the last time I had seen you. Have you been lifting a lot of weights in your training regimen? If so, what is the mentality behind this? Is it because you want to be stronger in the clinches and moving your opponent?
JW: Charlie I appreciate you looking at my physique, but I am only interested in females (both laugh). I have been in the weight room a bit over the last few months, yes. I just try and not let it effect my mobility. Yeah I think the extra body mass will help me inside the clinches!
CW: You seem confident ahead of this fight, but have you done anything to improve your mental game to gain this confidence, or have you been sure of yourself from the start?
JW: I tell myself not to take this fight personally, because it’s business, but I would feel quite lovely to put a loss on his record, so his promoter can’t sleep at night (laughs).
CW: And who have you been sparring with?
JW: I have been sparring with a very good quality of guys who simulate Vince’s style very well! The only difference is they could not simulate how sloppy Vince is!
CW: Ok Jonte, thank you for your time. For my last question, do you have any message for Vincent Thompson? If you caught my interview with him last week, you must have seen that he had some choice words for you. How do you respond?
JW: The words I have for Vince is not going to hurt him, but Novmeber 5th I feel sorry for him! For the people reading this interview, I want you to know that I am not coming into the fight to hold, to play patty cake, and run for nothing!!
CW: Thanks again Jonte. I can’t wait to see this fight. Things are really starting to heat up between you two. I expect a great night of action.
JW: Thanks Charlie White. I swear your name could be a talk show host or an adult film star (laughs).
For questions and comments, to schedule an interview, or to simply chat about boxing, Charles White can be reached at cwhite1078@mysvc.skagit.edu or 360-333-5911.