Minnesota Boxing News: Jon Schmidt vs Shawn Estrada

SCHMIDT READY FOR NEXT TEST
By "Wolfman" Marty Lindquist

Jon Schmidt (10-1) will face his toughest test tomorrow night in California against former Olympian and prospect Shawn

Estrada (10-0). It's not known for sure if the bout will be the televised opener on ESPN but Schmidt says he plans to make the best of the opportunity regardless. Prior to the this fight being finalized, one of Minnesota's more colorful personalities caught up with Schmidt to discuss his career to date for the Minnesotaboxing.com readers. Here is how the conversation went...

Marty Lindquist: So I passed this runner on Foley on the way to Lyke's Boxing Gym in Coon Rapids and once I had parked and was heading towards the door, I noticed that the runner was you and that you were also just getting to the gym... Then, as you were putting in a horrendous workout, I had to wonder, "What makes this guy so motivated?"
I mean, here you are, surviving head-on collisions and fighting your way to the top of a tough sport. What's next, a trip on the space shuttle? Then it dawned on me: he likes the challenge. Is that close? What's driving you?

Jon Lee Schmidt: I like this interview cause its way different from others but I don't know how far off you are about the challenge cause I will have to agree with you that I'm motivated. But I think it's more about people telling me that I can't do something cause if you tell me I can't I'll do my best to tell you your F@#!ing wrong!!??

Marty Lindquist: On the day of the fight, you get to the weigh in, see your opponent, go through the day, warm up in the dressing room, get called to the ring, climb through the ropes, see the bloodstains on the mat, see your opponent. What's going through your mind?

Jon Lee Schmidt: The only thing going through my mind is what I got to do to win. All the training I did to get to this point, the sacrifice's made, the shit in my ear from everyday life is what I think about before I go out to the ring. The shit talking before, during, and after from the other side means nothing; I just think about what I can control and that is do what I was trained to do, win.

Marty Lindquist: The tough nature of boxing is what makes it so captivating. There's always something; injuries, cuts, obstacles... How do you gear up to overcome adversity?

Jon Lee Schmidt: Just keep doing what I do and that's keep doing work. I work my ass off to be able to deal with adversity, and that's all I can do.

Marty Lindquist: You're very disciplined & devoted. You're always in the gym, pumping everyone up, making the most of it. That attitude seems to carry you.What are your long-term goals in regards to fighting?

Jon Lee Schmidt: Yeah, I like to have fun while I'm there otherwise its just another daily grind. My long term goals in fighting is to keep progressing in the sport as far as learning and getting better plus just to take it as far as I can and for as long as I can. I've got other things going on in life and boxing is my passion so I do it but I don't have any false pretenses like that I'll be pound for pound best in the world but I do want to fight up there with the big boys possibly one day.

Marty Lindquist: Is there anyone in particular that you'd like to fight? How about a Minnesota title?

Jon Lee Schmidt: I guess I don't really have anyone in mind right now but I'm not really opposed to anything either. I'll look at the fight presented to me when it happens and deal with it then, I have a lot of trust in my management so I don't think they would present me a fight I couldn't handle. As far as a Minnesota title? Yeah I'll take'em all!!!

Marty Lindquist: Well, thanks for giving the Minnesota boxing community a steady stream of upbeat performances and high quality entertainment. We're thankful for your mixture of drive, work ethic and determination. Keep it up!

Schmidt later shared his thoughts with MinnesotaBoxing.com about Friday nights fight against Shawn Estrada..

Jon Lee Schmidt:"I am ready to take the big step and get known nationally. I know it's going to be a tough fight but I feel like it's a challenge that I'm ready for."

If you are interested in Sports Betting, odds, and expert picks, please check out the site links below!!