FOLLOWING HORN’S LEAD

His shot at world domination

Q

The man you’re fighting this weekend is 37 years old. You’re 25. Do you see yourself fighting for another decade or even more?

A

I don’t want to be, no. I feel like I could but I want to get out of this sport by the time I am about 30. You see a lot of boxers stick at it for too long and they get seriously injured or they are just not competing at the same level that they were. At the end of it, I want to win a world title, stay on top for a few years then get out and give back to the sport and not just be braindead. And not do it because I feel like I have to – you see boxers now, they have to do it because they don’t know anything else. I still want to be able to do something else.

Q

Jeff Horn (right) has become a much-loved national identity. Have you learnt much from him when you were on his undercard or just in general?

A

I guess the motivation seeing that it can be done, having someone as big as him now at an Australian level. He is a household name now so it adds motivation, just the possibility. The path has been set now and there really wasn’t for a long time an Australian boxer that has done that. And an Australian boxer that doesn’t have a huge personality as well like (Anthony) Mundine or somebody like that.

Q

World champion Gilberto Ramirez is unbeaten in 36 bouts, so your eventual plans to topple him won’t be a stroll in the park. Why is he so good?

A

He’s southpaw so instantly you have got a benefit over everybody else because orthodox fighters are used to orthodox. He’s rangy, he’s very long, he’s six foot three (190cm). He is an excellent boxer, all of his punches are very precise. Every punch has meaning behind it – and he’s tough too.