Between the ropes: J’Leon Love
May 4, 2013, 6:51 PM
Undefeated middleweight J’Leon Love faces Gabriel Rosado Saturday night on Showtime PPV on the undercard of Mayweather vs. Guerrero, “May Day Live” from MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Earlier this week, I had the chance to catch up with the 25 year-old phenom to talk about the Rosado fight, his past and the tragic loss of his brother. He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas.
What got you into the gym for the first time?
I was 14, maybe 15. I was fighting all the time in the streets. My family guided me to the gym, and I fell in love.
How did you get involved with the Mayweather Gym and TMT?
I moved to Las Vegas from Detroit not knowing what would happen. I had no car. I caught the bus to the gym every day. I was in camp Margarito. Mayweather happened to be getting ready to fight Cotto, so they called me for sparring.
You’re managed by Al Haymon, one of the most important figures in boxing. What is he like as a manager?
He’s a tremendous person. He’s definitely one of the best in the business, if not the best. He always has his hand out to help another. So many doors open and the sky is the limit with Al Haymon on your side, along with Mayweather Promotions and Leonard Ellerbe.
This is a high-profile fight for you. What has this lead up felt like?
It’s amazing. To go from actually growing up watching Floyd, and then being right here, let alone on pay-per-view… this is definitely a dream come true. Now I have to seal the deal. I have to go out and do what I do best. I want to show the world this is where I need to be. I’m fighting a great fighter, a Philly fighter, tough, always comes to fight. It’s not going to be easy for either of us.
Tell me about fight night and what you expect versus Rosado.
I’m the bigger man. This is my weight class. I’m strong and ready. I punch well. I’m slick. I’m a boxer. He’s going to come forward, and try to make it a brawl. I can bang just as well. We are perfect for each other, and can definitely steal the show. If I win, the whole world sees and that gets me closer to a world title.
You recently lost your brother. How has that impacted your training camp? and how will it affect you on fight night?
My brother never misses too many fights and I’ll never be able to have him there with me again. It’s a terrible feeling. He’ll be there in spirit, though pushing me in my corner. I’m using it as my motivation.
Thank you for your time and good luck on fight night!
Thank you for the opportunity!
Editor’s Note: We’re thrilled to welcome Emily to our team in the role of boxing insider. Emily will be writing blogs, interviewing fighters and providing boxing reports and podcasts on the show and on arizonasports.com. She brings a wealth of boxing knowledge and years of experience covering the sweet science from almost every angle and working with top local and national fighters. Follow her at @emilyboxing on Twitter.
