60-SECOND INTERVIEW
‘MY FAMILY ALL BOXED – MY DAD, UNCLE AND BROTHER. I WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD WHEN I STARTED’ Mason Menard
When and why you started boxing:
My family all boxed – my dad, uncle and brother. I was eight years old when I started.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I don’t really have one, but if I had to pick, it’d be Floyd Mayweather. His skills separated him from the rest.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I’ve seen so many over the years that I can’t pick just one that really stands out.
Personal career highlight:
As a pro, it’d be winning the WBO NABO lightweight title [with a ninth-round knockout of Bahodir Mamadjonov in August 2016]. As an amateur, it’d be earning a bronze medal at the USA Nationals to advance to the 2008 Olympic Trials.
Toughest opponent:
Raymundo Beltran [l ko 7 – December 2016]. He was relentless, plus he had a solid chin and wily veteran skills.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My strengths are my quick feet and punching power. My weakness is that I keep suffering injuries that lead to inactivity.
Training tip:
Never let yourself get fat during your off-time. It’ll put extra wear and tear on your body, which will make it harder for you when you’re trying to get ready for a fight.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I enjoy having breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe in River Ranch, Lafayette, Louisiana.
Best friends in boxing:
Boxing has brought me many friends. If I had to name a few who have my back, truly care for me and have my best interests at heart, I’d say my Lafayette trainer Joseph Cormier, my cutman Aaron Navarro, my manager Shane Shapiro and a couple of Louisiana fighters – Todd Manuel and Clay Burns.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
An NFL RB [running back].
Last film/tv show you saw:
Mickey Mouse – the joys of having kids!
Who would play you in a film of your life:
[Hollywood actor] Cam Gigandet.
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, I never have.
Last time you cried:
It was August 11, 2012 – the day I fought Ivan Otero [w ud 8] – when I found out that my old amateur coach had died.
Best advice received:
Put God first and he will put you first.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I had AIDS.
Something not many people know about you:
I ate my twin in the womb. Age: 29 Twitter: @rockhardmighty Nickname: ‘Rock Hard Mighty’ Height: 5ft 6ins Nationality: American From: Rayne, LA Stance: Orthodox Record: 33-2 (24) Division: Lightweight Titles: WBO NABO & Louisiana State Next fight: Menard meets Devin Haney over 10 rounds in Philadelphia on Friday May 11.
‘NEVER LET YOURSELF GET FAT DURING YOUR OFF-TIME’