Jr. Middleweight Matt “The Predator” Vanda will face fellow Saint Paul fighter Troy “TNT” Lowry Friday night at the Saint Paul National Guard Armory in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Throughout the 90’s, the Brunette boxing gym in Saint Paul was home to both fighters. At the time Lowry was the established pro who helped pack boxing arenas in the area whereas Vanda was just getting started with his boxing career.

Today, the 26 year old Vanda is one of the more recognizable names in the state and responsible for drawing huge crowds in recent years.

According to Vanda, a possible WBO title shot against Daniel Santos is in the works for sometime in May so he understands the importance of this fight. Not only does Vanda want to secure a showdown with Santos, but he wants to prove that he is the best Jr. Middleweight in the state by defeating Troy Lowry. Here is what Vanda had to say about his upcoming fight

Fightnews: It is an obvious benefit to get out of Minnesota to train with more of a variety of fighters. Can you talk about how training has been for this fight?

Matt Vanda: Yeah, we went down to Miami to train for this one. I’ve been sparring with guys that are 6’2175, 180 pounds and they are not hurting me. I mean I get hit here and there but who the hell doesn’t! Working with these big guys is paying off. My stamina’s way up. If Troy can make it out of the fifth round I will be surprised. But I suppose he says the same thing right!

Fightnews: Well actually yeah, Troy says he is going to knock you out.

Vanda: WHAT? Man that guy is crazy. I tell you what; I am going to smash Troy Lowry! And afterwards I want you to bring down a cold beer for me all right! I want that in the interview too. We’re both Irish and have to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day a little early this year on the 11th!

Fightnews: Who are some of the guys you have been sparring with?

Vanda: I’ve been sparring with Howard Davis Jr. whose6’2, 180. His dad was an Olympic gold medalist in the 70’s. So he’s a hell of a fighter. I’ve been sparring with Charles Whittaker, I don’t even remember a lot of their names. There were a couple of Jamaican fighters. Mostly with the big guy though. He is real quick. You know Troy Lowry is not that fast. This guy(Davis) can pop the jab out there like crazy. We have just been working on getting the hell out of the way. Troy has a damn good right hand. That’s what he knocks people out with, that straight right hand. But I will be surprised if he can hit me with it.

Fightnews: You have been using more movement at times in your most recent fights. Is this something you are still concentrating on in training camp?

Vanda: Yeah, but mostly we are concentrating on throwing a lot of combinations. You know, if he throws a jab, I will slip off to the right and come back with a right-left-right. Then come back with another combo. Just working on throwing a lot more punches in there. I want to stay right in his face and turn this into a dogfight.

Fightnews: You and Troy Lowry have a history together. Can you explain how you both know each other?

Vanda: We know each other from the Brunette boxing gym. That is where we both started. We used to spar each other for about 5 or 6 years. He actually broke my nose in sparring but that was back when I was a kid. He has to understand that I am a man now. He just doesn’t know what this man can do. I am ready to fight now more then ever.

Fightnews: So do you think it will help or hurt that he knows you so well from sparring?

Vanda: Well yeah, he might think he knows my style but he knows the kid Vanda, not the man. I have been working out with Norman Wilson and there are a lot of things that have changed. I am working on putting my body into my punches so I hit a lot harder. I am a lot faster then back then too. That slow poke wont be able to do anything!

Fightnews: We have been hearing a lot of rumors about you fighting in a possible title fight later this year in Minnesota. Is there any truth to this?

Vanda: All I know is that they are talking about me fighting Daniel Santos for the WBO championship. Daniel Santos’s manager said they would fight in Minnesota. I don’t know, but right now I have to worry about Troy Lowry. Santos is a big guy though. I workout of his gym in Miami. Right now he is at around 187pounds. He’s a big guy so I know he can crack. I haven’t got to see him work out because I think they try to keep us apart. But I am looking forward to that fight if it happens. He is a southpaw. If I get by Lowry I sure hope that is my next fight. I will take a couple weeks off and get right back in the gym. And I will do my damndest to bring that title back to Minnesota. I will put everything on the line for that fight. Santos is a damn good fighter but I think I could get him. I really hope that fight goes through. They are talking about it at the end of May. They said they want the fight and would come here so bring it on mother *******!

Fightnews: Good stuff! Well is there anything you would like to say to your fans to close this out?

Vanda: Yeah I want to say to all my fans, all my East Saint Paul fans that you know we are going out with a bang this Friday night. It’s hammer time baby! Also I really want this in there too. Tommy Brunette, may his soul rest in peace. I loved the guy and I still love him. You know, things went the wrong way with us but whatever. I still love the man.