MATT VANDA INTERVIEW AHEAD OF ESPN DEBUT
By Jesse Kelley and Ramon Hough
With the Espn show just around the corner, Minnesotaboxing.com stopped by Brunette’s Boxing Gym to chat with Minnesota’s own Matt “The Predator” Vanda.
Mn Boxing: Can you talk a little about how you got started boxing?
Vanda: Yeah when I was 12 years old a friend on my football team was going to start boxing so I started boxing with him. He ended up quitting but I kept on going and quit all other sports except boxing. So then I did Silver Gloves,Golden Gloves, and here we are today! Rockin and Rollin!
Mn Boxing: So how many fights did you have in the amateurs?
Vanda: I was 10-2 as an amateur, just a few fights.
Mn Boxing: Can you describe how you think you have progressed style wise from the beginning of your career to where you are now?
Vanda: Yeah, I used to like to go out there and just take guys heads off! But then I got tired too quick and just sort of ran out of gas which wasn’t a good way to go.We just had to start slowing down and throwing some combos and boxing more. Its a lot easier to knock people out like that anyways.
Mn Boxing: You have said that without an amateur career, you have basically learned to box as a pro. With a record of 29-0 some people have looked at your record and said, ” Well he hasn’t fought anybody until recently”. Does it bother you that some people have said this?
Vanda: Yeah there are lots of jealous people out there. Scott LeDoux and Tony Bonsante can tell you all about that! You know, we don’t even have anything to say about LeDoux, he’s a punk. Whatever, he is a bad commentator and is just a jealous man. Him and Tony Bonsante. They both are best buds. We beat up all there fighters and he hates us. He talks about me in the papers and on Espn but it doesn’t matter. We don’t need to see him, we don’t need to talk about them anymore. It actually helps me and it doesn’t really bother me because I love when people talk about me! It just gets me fired up because I don’t have to go out of my way to talk about other people. You know, the more the merrier, I hope everybody talks bad about me because it just gets me pumped up! I’m knocking people out for the people that want me to lose. I could care less.
Mn Boxing: Who would you say has been your toughest opponent to date?
Vanda: I would say Jesus Valverde. That first fight was the toughest when I fought him. There were other circumstances but you know everyone was a little challenge but Valverde, the first one was tough.
Mn Boxing: Well you can see how much you have really come along and improved overall since that fight.(Vanda took a lopsided unanimous decision in the rematch.)
Vanda: Yeah I learned a lot. They are all tough though, I’ve learned a lot in all of my fights.
Mn Boxing: You have one of the more unique fan bases here in Minnesota. Can you describe your fans and what it is like to be at one of your fights for the people who have never been to one?
Vanda: Its all out chaos! The fans love to see The Predator kick some ass! They love seeing me knock people out. Its just an all out party. Its party central, even the old people are partying! Everybody party’s when they come to a Predator fight.
Mn Boxing: The upcoming show is being co-promoted by Sugar Ray Leonard. Have you had a chance to sit down with Sugar Ray?
Vanda: Yeah he is a really nice guy. He has nothing but nice things to say to everybody. He kind of taught me a few things, you know, inside stuff. He’s a six time world champion. Well he didn’t really teach me anything, he just kind of talked to me about different things that are going to be coming up. He talked to me about the jealousy and all that stuff. He’s just a nice guy.
Mn Boxing: Your fighting Sam Garr in three weeks. I would say he is a step up for you in competition. Have you been able to study him at all and what can you tell us about him?
Vanda: As of right now we have just watched one tape on him. Next week we will be getting more. Yeah, he is a good veteran fighter. He’s got 33 wins 7 losses and has 29 knockouts so he has a little power. That’s fine because whenever I fight someone better it just brings my game up that much more. You guys are going to see something a little bit different this time. Your going to see a guy come out quick, boxing and I’m punching harder than ever. So whatever happens, I expect a good fight and I’m going for the knockout!
Mn Boxing: Who have you been sparring with to get ready for the fight?
Vanda: I got Mohammed Kayongo here. Then hopefully my good buddy Leonard Townsend will be coming back up here for some more action! Also Sam Harvey. It doesn’t matter, were hitting the hand bags and Mohammed Kayongo is really all I need, he is tough.
Mn Boxing: So are you feeling any more pressure knowing that this is a nationally televised fight?
Vanda: No, being on TV is no big deal. I don’t even think about it. I don’t care about the cameras and lights, I’m here to fight. I might even come out a little more psyched up and that might not be good for Sam Garr if I’m too pumped cause punches are going to be flying either way.
Mn Boxing: I realize you are not looking past Sam Garr, but if you do beat Garr what are you hoping is your next step?
Vanda: I guess it all depends on how I win. If I knock him out or beat him decisively its going to set me up with some big fights this year for sure. Every fight is going to be a big one from here on out. This is probably the most important year of my life right now.
Mn Boxing: How does it feel now that you are a world ranked fighter?
Vanda: I’m happy that I am getting a little recognition. There are a lot of great fighters in this division. Its a privilege and Ill do everything I can to stay up there and try and get to number one. I don’t even know where we are at but I don’t care until I’m at number one. I don’t know if its 12, 11, 10, I only care if I’m uno!
Mn Boxing: Any predictions?
Vanda: I’m just going to go out and box and I’m in the best shape. I’m just going to go out and box and see what happens. If I get a knockout I get a knockout! And hopefully… well hopefully I don’t get knocked out!
Mn Boxing: Is there anything you would like to say to the people around the world who will be seeing you for the first time?
Vanda: I want to say that on January 16th your going to see a good fight between Matt “The Predator” Vanda and Sam Garr. Its great to be on Espn but I just wish they had better commentating because Scott LeDoux is probably the worst commentator out of any sport I’ve ever seen in my life! I’m surprised he can even put a sentence together. And make sure that this goes in your interview!