Lucian Bute Q and A

Lucian Bute interview with Montreal radio station this morning (french) http://www.985fm.ca/audioplayer.php?mp3=77521

“Since Monday we have a distinct impression of reliving the best years of boxing in Montreal, with as much to report inside the ring than outside, and following his win Saturday night, Pascal is proclaiming himself the best boxer in town, and HBO has expressed their desire to be involved in a Pascal/Bute clash, this morning Lucian Bute is in the studio”

Q: Good morning Lucian, you find yourself in the spotlight right now, here is what Pascal said after his win:

Pascal excerpt: “I am the king in town, I’m the one who faced and beat one of the best boxers on the planet, I beat him, and a king doesn’t chase other kings.”

In other words it’s not his job to run after you, you’re the one who needs to challenge him.

Lucian Bute A: Yes it’s normal, it’s his style, Pascal is the one always talking, as you know I don’t talk much but it will be quite a moment when this fight happens. Presently I am staying focused on my next fight, I am staying at 168 lbs, I think it’s the best division and I still have much to do at this weight.

Q: Ok but this means you are willing to face him then?

A: Yes

Q: (Presses Lucian) When? 1 year, two years, three years?

A: Depends on the promoters, yes it will happen, I don’t know when, maybe in a few months, maybe a year, two years, but it will happen for sure, HBO is interested and Pascal has made quite a statement in the USA Saturday. Right now there is huge interest in Quebec but if we both work on and grow our respective careers on each side it’s going to become a mega fight.

Q: So you want to clean up 168 lbs before facing Jean Pascal?

A: Yes that’s right, going up and coming back down is very difficult, Pascal is the one who was at 168 lbs and decided to come up to 175 lbs, not me.

Q: So are you coming up in weight or does he need to come down?

A: Presently like I said, I am staying at 168 lbs.

Q: Are you saying you are willing to face Pascal at 168 lbs?

A: Look, I am willing to go up but not yet, first I want to finish in his category, it’s very difficult to fluctuate as a boxer.

Q: Lucian, promoters have already explained this and we know that fighters don’t show up on fight night at the division weight of 168 lbs for example, so you already show up far heavier than 168 lbs.

A: Yes, that’s right, on fight night I usually come in at 180 or 182 lbs but when you go up a category to make 175 lbs for example I would need to change my entire preparation, weight training, muscle building etc all my training is for 168 lbs presently and my physical conditioner helps me towards this goal, and if I go up I will need to bulk up and gain a lot of physical strength and it’s very hard to come back down after that.

Q: You watched the fight Saturday?

A: Yes I was ringside

Q: What did you think about the fight?

A: It was very spectacular, Jean did great, he followed his game plan well and I think he has a very good team around him.

Q: Did you think he was in trouble in the 11th?

A: No, I didn’t, I know Dawson started strong as he knew he was far behind and needed to step it up to win, but no I don’t think Pascal was in trouble.

Q: Lucian isn’t the super six slowing down your progression and hindering your ability to face the best fighters in your division?

A: Yes you can say that, the tournament is currently including all the best opponents and still has about one year to go, I hope it ends in one year, but for the moment I will focus on Jesse Brinkley.

Q: Lucian who is the king of boxing in Montreal?

A: (Laughs) I never declared myself as such, that’s Pascal’s style not mine, I respect his style and his boxing ability too, one day we will be in the ring, and then we’ll see who’s the best.

Q: Thanks Lucian, see you at your next fight on October 15th.

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