Noons….“No. I have over 30 pro fights in different fighting (boxing, MMA, kickboxing) and I’ve already been fighting in the spotlight with world class opponents and have defended my world title. Who’s really at the disadvantage?”
Photo Courtesy KJ Noons, all rights reserved
When EliteXC went under a few months back, KJ Noons was the EliteXC WorldLightweight Champion. (Actually Noons had his title taken from him outside of the cage due to fight politics. Shortly after, Elite went under.) EliteXC had their events broadcast by both, Showtime and CBS. While not the UFC, Noons title was quite an accomplishment. I was lucky enough to get a quick interview with Noons a few days back. Our conversation goes as follows.
M…. “You were/are a favorite of mine in MMA due to your boxing background, could you tell us what your first love is, Boxing or MMA?”
Noons….“I would have to say boxing because there was no such thing as mma when I started boxing as a kid.”
M…. “Can you compare your preparation for a boxing match and an MMA card?”
Noons….“There is so many different things you have to train for in MMA, different diciplines. I feel like I can focus on more important things in boxing.”
M…. “Will you be focusing more on your boxing this year than MMA?”
Noons…. “For right now, yes. I will be getting back into MMA later in the year.”
M…. “Do you see the fight with Vanda as boxing vs MMA?”
Noons…. “No. If people want to call it that, than sure.”
M….“Have you watched many or any of Matt Vanda’s fights? Did you see the Duddy fight last month?”
Noons…. “I have not seen it, but I will be watching video as the fight gets closer.”
M…. “Do you see yourself at a disadvantage going against such a seasoned Boxer in Vanda (39, 9)?”
Noons….“No. I have over 30 pro fights in different fighting (boxing, MMA, kickboxing) and I’ve already been fighting in the spotlight with world class opponents and have defended my world title. Who’s really at the disadvantage?”
M…. “I know Minnesota fight fans can not wait to watch you work, do you have anything you would like to say to the fight fans here in Minnesota?”
Noons…. “I can’t wait to fight up there and give the fight fans a great fight to watch.”
It should be noted that Karl (KJ) Noons (8,1) ,will will be boxing James Countryman (13,1), this Saturday in Ohio.
I would like to thank KJ for taking some time to answering a few of our questions.
Todd