Taishan Dong: Can He Take Over the Heavyweight Division?

Exclusive Interview by “Big” Bill Bradshaw

“In order for a boxer to punch me, he must be willing to stand in front of me and risk getting hit by me as well. If they are willing to stand in my power zone to land a punch, they will feel my power and may the best man remain standing.”— Taishan Dong

As the dust is settling on the year that was, all eyes will now focus on the boxing calendar that lays ahead in 2015. Talks of mega bouts and match ups that will involve the likes of Mayweather,JR., Pacquiao, Khan, Crawford, Broner and Garcia will, no doubt, yield both disappointment and delight and we can look forward to a year that will see Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev and Carl Froch pound the canvas with performances of power and raw energy. But the first port of call will be the MGM Grand in Las Vegas where, on January 17th next, Bermane “Bware” Stiverne will defend his WBC World Heavyweight title against the “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder.

Much and all as I like Stiverne, I don’t think it would be a disrespect to say the fight isn’t really about him. The boxing world needs a heavyweight hero, a Tyson of the new age, a challenger that will set pulses racing if, and when, he steps through the ropes to truly test the awesome Wladimir Klitschko. Wilder may yet prove to be that man but he has a tough test, arguably his first, against the solid and stylish Stiverne. But, regardless of the outcome, there will be others waiting in the wings to stake their own claim on a division that has not seen heady days since Iron Mike wore the crown.

The colorful Tyson Fury will claim to be the young pretender but Andy Ruiz. JR. will argue that point. Shannon Briggs will shout to the world that he still has the goods but Alexander Povetkin is proving to be one who won’t fall in the face of defeat. Bryant Jennings will get his title tilt but “The Rebel” Mike Perez will return with all the tools needed to avenge his only loss. To add an extra flair to the division, there are up and coming heavyweights who will take every opportunity in 2015 to edge their way toward contention and, for me, the one to watch over the coming year is the colossus that is Taishan Dong.

Hailing from Beijing, China, Taishan stands 6’11 and weighs in at a tight and trim 285lbs. At 26, he has already conquered the ranks of MMA and, should anyone regard him as just another crossover fighter, his one round destruction of the man-mountain Bob Sapp proves without doubt that Taishan Dong is a gifted and natural boxer. Already signed by Golden Boy Promotions, the Beijing man wowed the San Francisco faithful in his pro debut last July when he dropped Alex Rozman three times on route to a five minute demolition and he followed that up with a stunning first round KO of Tommy Washington, JR. in Indio, California in November. He showed speed, power, class and a composure that goes way beyond his experience. I wanted RSR readers to have an insight into this man and, with the kind courtesy of his manager, George Gallegos, an absolute gentleman I must add, I managed to interview Taishan in the days before Christmas. It was both an honor and a pleasure.

BBB: You had a hugely successful career that included a superb win over Bob Sapp. How have you found the transition from MMA to professional boxing and, at almost 7ft tall, which discipline suits you best?

The transition from MMA to Boxing has been good. I had to adjust my stance and work on a different strategy which is to mainly use the jab much more. I have practiced very hard on developing a strong jab, which is very important in boxing. I really worked on this punch for my first fight. I have been blessed to work with world class trainers, John Bray and Buddy McGirt to help me with the transition. I believe boxing suits me best since I believe I am stronger with my fists and it was difficult to get the proper distance for an effective kick with my height. I enjoy boxing very much and always dreamed to become a boxer. I am happy to get this opportunity.

BBB: What does it mean for Chinese boxing to have a potential contender in the heavyweight ranks?

I think it is very exciting. The heavyweight champion is one of the most recognized and well respected titles in the world. People all over the world enjoy watching heavyweight fights and for me to represent China in this division, I am very honored and hope to show the world that someone from China can compete with the world’s top athletes and become the Heavyweight Champion of the world.

BBB: Zou Shimming has been a big favorite at the Top Rank Macau events and I understand there may be plans for you to fight there on future cards. How important would it be for you to fight in front of your home crowd?

I would love the opportunity to fight before my country. I believe it will happen one day so with each fight I will continue to improve and become a better boxer for my country to see. I hope to come back to my country as a champion.

BBB: You won your first two fights comfortably but there are those who would ask what will happen when a decent heavyweight lands a solid shot on you. I saw you take power punches from Bob Sapp but, how would you answer those that question your durability?

Since coming to the U.S, I have sparred with many top heavyweight contenders who are 6’6 or 6’7. I have felt their power and am confident about my durability. You must remember in the heavyweight division every punch is like a home run swing so any heavyweight is one punch away from a knockout. In order for a boxer to punch me, he must be willing to stand in front of me and risk getting hit by me as well. If they are willing to stand in my power zone to land a punch, they will feel my power and may the best man remain standing. I would enjoy that style of fighting.

BBB: Boxing has seen its big men over the years and I would say that, as a technical boxer, you have more in common with a Klitschko than a Nikolai Valuev. But what does Taishan Dong bring to the ring that separates him from the current crop of young heavyweights?

I believe my height and power separate me from other heavyweights. Most heavyweights are used to be being the taller man and have not faced anyone taller than them or anyone my size. I think this changes their approach and game plan once they are the smaller man and now how to figure out how to get past my reach. This is something that most never had to do before and is difficult to prepare for. I also think that my power is a factor because since they have to get within my range in order to hit me, they must be willing to feel my power. I will be punching downward while they are trying to get in range and I think that adds power. I also workout with weight training everyday and constantly work on my power since I believe this is also one of my strengths.

BBB: What are your views on the current contenders such as Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Andy Ruiz, JR. and Anthony Joshua?

I believe all of those young fighters are very good and have very different styles. I notice each fighter uses their physical advantage in their style which has been difficult for their opponents to overcome. I wish all of these fighters success and would be honored to face them one day.

BBB: We would like to see more of you in 2015, perhaps every 6 – 8 weeks. Can we expect to see that happen?

I am always in the gym and eager to continue to improve. I would like to fight as often as possible, but it is up to my promoter, the best promotion company in the world, Golden Boy, to decide on when I fight. I trust their decision and will always be ready to fight.

BBB: At 26, you are a young heavyweight signed to a major player in Golden Boy Promotions. How excited and optimistic are you about the future?

I am very excited. In China, Oscar De la Hoya is very well known. It has been a dream come true to work with the best promoter in the world. I could not be any happier and still always feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.

BBB: Finally, you are a family man and both your wife and daughter have made the move to America with you. Can you tell our readers how difficult that move has been and how you maintain your commitment as a fighter when you are also a devoted husband and father?

The move has been OK. Everyone in the U.S. is very nice and I can finally find clothes that fit me! Also, the U.S. has the best hamburgers! I am lucky that my manager helps me. It has been difficult at times, but the United States has everything anyone can ask for. Los Angeles has nice weather, a lot of food, shops, and activities so it has been enjoyable. I train a lot and in the United States, you have the best trainers so I am lucky to train with Buddy McGirt and I have a personal trainer, Eric the Trainer who really challenges me. Since I train so often, that keeps me very busy and focused. I am lucky my wife understands my dream and supports me. I would like to spend more time with them, but this is an opportunity that will enable me to provide for them and my wife understands that.

Interviewer’s closing thoughts:

Taishan Dong is my ‘one to watch’ for 2015. He is singularly focused on becoming Heavyweight Champion of the world and, with all that he has going for him, it would be hard to bet against that happening. Sure, he has a long road ahead and he will be tested but I suspect that his name will loom as large as his stature when we are looking back at the year that was 2015. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Taishan and his manager, George Gallegos for making this interview happen and we at RSR wish to extend a seasons greeting to Taishan and his family.

Taishan Dong

Professional Record: 2-0, 2 KO’s
Division: Heavyweight

Date Opponent W-L-D Location Result

2014-11-13 Tommy Washington Jr 3-6-0 Indio, US W KO 1
2014-07-18 Alex Rozman 2-6-0 San Francisco, US W TKO 2

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