Source: boxingtalk
By Darren Nichols
BoxingTalk caught up with Fenech recently to get the scoop on how Tyson
is looking with six weeks to go, how Tyson’s knee is holding up, and
what they are doing to ensure victory against the taller Kevin McBride.
BoxingTalk: Jeff, how is Mike’s training going for his fight on June 11th against Kevin McBride?
Jeff
Fenech: I’m doing great because Mike’s doing great. Mike sparred
six good rounds today, and we’re really excited about his upcoming
fight.
BoxingTalk: Who is he sparring with?
Jeff Fenech: He’s sparring with Corey “T-Rex” Sanders. Mike is fighting better now that he is sparring with Sanders.
BoxingTalk: How is Mike looking now compared to how he looked during his prime?
Jeff
Fenech: We feel this is the best Mike has looked in over ten
years. I’m really excited because we still have six weeks to go
until he fights, and Mike is already sparring six rounds. To me,
that is important because I know that is something he hasn’t done in a
really long time. He doesn’t look this good because of me or any
part of my team, it’s because Mike Tyson wants to do it. He is
devoted and is someone who really wants to work.
More quotes available in the extended section of this post (click 'Read More' below).
BoxingTalk:
If Mike wins this fight and can back into heavyweight contention, do
you feel you will get the credit for bringing Mike back?
Jeff
Fenech: To be honest, I haven’t done this to get credit. Mike is my
friend, and I am trying to help him do what he does best. I’ve
been there and done it before, and looking at Mike Tyson and the
heavyweight division, I feel he is capable of climbing that mountain
again. As far as I’m concerned I’m just here to make sure Mike
does what he has to do, and it’s been really enjoyable for me.
There’s not too many people who can say that Mike Tyson has given them
120 percent. Mike Tyson has given me that.
BoxingTalk: With six weeks left before his fight, what will you be working on with Mike for the remaining time left?
Jeff
Fenech: I’m just going to continue doing what we’ve been doing.
I’m teaching Mike how to box twelve rounds again. When Mike Tyson
steps in the ring believing he can box twelve rounds, he is
unbeatable. He will be the Mike Tyson of old.
BoxingTalk:
It’s no secret that Mike has had trouble in the past with his larger
opponents. With McBride being 6’6’’, is there any concern on your
part about Mike’s ability to handle McBride’s size?
Jeff
Fenech: We’ve taken every consideration. I’ve looked at some of
his fights. I’ve watched them with Mike. We’ve studied what
we need to study, and we’ll do what we need to do to handle Kevin
McBride. Corey Sanders is big guy. A couple of our other
sparring partners are 6’5’’ and 6’6,’’ and we’ll be prepared properly
for this fight…that’s my job.
BoxingTalk: How is Tyson’s knee holding up during training?
Jeff Fenech: His knee is great. He’s done a lot of rehabilitation on it, and he is fine.
BoxingTalk: Would you say his knee is back to 100%?
Jeff
Fenech: It’s at 200%. You won’t see a new Mike Tyson, you’ll see
the old Mike Tyson. I’m not here to change him. You can’t
teach an old dog new tricks, but if I can get that old dog hungry
again, then I’ll have something special.
Boxingtalk thanks Mr. Fenech for taking the time to speak with us. We wish he and Tyson the best of luck on June 11.
