Stealing the Show from Manny Pacquiao/Timothy Bradley: Mike Jones Will Strike Gold on Saturday Night – BOXING NEWS

Exclusive Interview by Marc Anthony

“I have my work cut out for me but I am 100 percent confident that I will get the victory.” — Mike Jones

Mike Jones, 26-0, 19 KO’s, is set to face knockout artist Randall Bailey, 42-7, 36 KO’s, on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight on Saturday. Many remember Mike in his emotional win and exciting fight against Jesus Soto Karass where he let everything go and put himself in danger in the first match. The second time around he learned and came out victorious even more convincingly.

This fight is for the IBF World Welterweight title which has been held by many greats such as the late Vernon Forrest, Felix Trinidad, and Floyd Mayweather, JR., and now one of these men will be crowned the new World Champion and join them in the history books.

Undercard Welterweight – Mike Jones vs. Randall Bailey, Super Bantamweight Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Teon Kennedy and Junior Featherweight – Jorge Arce vs. Jesus Rojas

Mike Jones sits with RSR and talks about going for his ultimate goal: World Championship.

MA: Is it important for you to be on the Pacquiao vs. Bradley card to keep getting that exposure?

Yeah, I think so…but, most importantly, to put on a great performance. That’s all I really worry about for June 9th.

MA: Randall Bailey seems to be a very dangerous opponent, your thoughts?

Yeah, definitely, he is a hard puncher. He is going try to force his will on me and try to catch me with that big right hand or that big left hook. I have my work cut out for me but I am 100 percent confident that I will get the victory.

MA: The IBF title has had many great champions. What is the significance for you?

It’s something I like to say they can’t take away from me. Everything comes and goes but once I win this title, I will always be remembered as an IBF World Champion and that’s very special to me.

MA: Can you talk about a little bit on the sacrifices you have made to get to the level of a world title fight?

Well, everything has been a sacrifice. Ever since I was an amateur, I went hard day in and day out since I was about 15 years old: Striving for this goal right here, the ultimate goal to be a world champion. Eating right, training day in and day out, and always practicing my craft. Trying to get better each and every day, it’s been a big sacrifice and I can’t wait for June 9th.

MA: Does it still excite you when fans cheer your name during an exciting moment during a fight?

While I am fighting, I am pretty much zoned out when I am fighting. I am focused 100 percent on my opponent. I hear it but it doesn’t affect me one bit. Because my ultimate goal is to get the knockout, so that’s what I am out there trying to do.

MA: Is he your biggest opponent?

Well my biggest opponent I think is me. I need not to over-think things when I get in that ring. I think in my past two fights I over-thought a little bit…especially my last one trying. But with that said, I know I have to be a bit careful because this guy is a big puncher. I think I just need to let my hands go and let me be me, the real me. Just let my hands go and react and not over-think things and just react to what’s going on.

MA: Predication on Pacquiao vs. Bradley?

I think this is going to be a good fight. I think people are underestimating how solid of a fighter Timothy Bradley is. He is a solid fighter. He is strong and he is durable. I think they are underestimating him and this should be a good fight. I have no prediction who will win but this will be a good fight.

MA: The level of difference fighting at the Cowboys Stadium vs. fighting at Vegas?

Nothing compares to it. Not only was it my first time at a big stage but it was the biggest stage. Cowboy’s stadium was so surreal. I let my emotions get the best of me in that fight. I was really trying to cap off the night with a really solid knockout and at that time I did let the crowd get to me. I thought I could get that knockout. On that night I just let everything go and not think about my technique or anything. That was a really solid experience to me in my life as a fighter and as just a person. I really thank God for that experience.

Mike Jones
Division: Welterweight
Professional Record: 26-0-0, 19 KO’s

2011-12-03 Sebastian Andres Lujan 38-5-2 New York, US W UD 12
NABA Welterweight Title
WBO NABO Welterweight Title
2011-06-25 Raul Munoz 22-13-1 Philadelphia, US W TKO 2
2011-02-19 Jesus Soto Karass 24-5-3 Las Vegas, US W UD 12
NABA Welterweight Title
WBO NABO Welterweight Title
WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title

2010-11-13 Jesus Soto Karass 24-4-3 Arlington, US W MD 10
NABA Welterweight Title
WBO NABO Welterweight Title
vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title
2010-07-09 Irving Garcia 17-4-3 Atlantic City, US W KO 5
NABA Welterweight Title
WBO NABO Welterweight Title
2010-04-17 Hector Munoz 18-2-1 Atlantic City, US W TKO 5
NABA Welterweight Title
vacant WBO NABO Welterweight Title
2010-02-27 Henry Bruseles 28-3-1 Atlantic City, US W UD 10
NABA Welterweight Title

2009-11-07 Raul Pinzon 16-3-0 Atlantic City, US W KO 5
2009-08-08 Lenin Arroyo 20-9-1 Atlantic City, US W UD 10
NABA Welterweight Title
2009-03-06 Dairo Esalas 31-15-0 Philadelphia, US W KO 2
NABA Welterweight Title

2008-12-05 Luciano Perez 16-8-1 Reading, US W TKO 3
2008-08-29 Juliano Ramos 15-1-0 Philadelphia, US W TKO 6
vacant NABA Welterweight Title
2008-05-09 Gilbert Venegas 10-5-3 Philadelphia, US W UD 8
2008-03-28 Germaine Sanders 27-5-0 Salamanca, US W UD 8

2007-11-09 Israel Cardona 36-7-0 Philadelphia, US W TKO 3
2007-10-05 Richard Hall 10-19-2 Philadelphia, US W TKO 1
2007-08-31 Martinus Clay 12-16-2 Niagara Falls, US W KO 5
2007-07-20 Doel Carrasquillo 10-4-1 Philadelphia, US W RTD 2
2007-05-04 Gilbert Guevara 5-1-1 Las Vegas, US W TKO 1
2007-03-02 Francisco Maldonado 11-25-4 Philadelphia, US W KO 2
2007-01-15 Donnie Fosmire 10-11-1 Airway Heights, US W TKO 3

2006-11-17 Jason Jordan 2-3-1 Philadelphia, US W TKO 1
2006-09-29 Todd Brad Dillon 0-0-0 Philadelphia, US W KO 1
2006-08-02 Ronny Glover 1-1-0 Philadelphia, US W KO 1
2006-03-03 Chris Gray 1-1-0 Philadelphia, US W TKO 2

2005-12-16 Jason Thompson 1-0-0 Philadelphia, US W TKO 2