Interview with Tyrone Brunson: "Anybody who wants to step up, let's do it. I'm not ducking anyone!"
 INTERVIEW by Anthony Santiago (July 9, 2007) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © Doug Sherring)
Two years and eighteen fights ago, Tyrone Brunson first burst onto the scenes of professional boxing with a first round knockout in his debut. With eighteen consecutive fights under his belt, he's only one fight away from breaking and holding the world record for most consecutive first round knockouts, with nineteen. People criticize his record due to lack of tough competition, but I've always had the idea that if you can knock eighteen different professional fighters out in the first round, then you've got SOME kind of power.
Tyrone Brunson is a young Philadelphia fighter who entered the world of boxing through his step father, to keep him off the streets eleven years ago. Now as a professional in only a short span of time, he's one fight away from history. A 22-year old middleweight, Brunson is determined and extremely confident in his athletic abilities that he can hold a world record. Through the few talks we've had together, Brunson is one of the most confident fighters I've spoken to. This second interview with him means a lot more than the first, since I know about him and know what
he's about to accomplish. There is no doubt in his mind he will become a world champion. But first, he has to finish what he started when he became a professional. After his nineteenth fight, which he is certain he will gain a first round knockout to stamp his name into history, he plans to move down in weight to 154 pounds, and make some noise. Here's what he had to say.
AS: Tyrone, what's goin on man how is everything?
TB: Everything's good man.
AS: Well word around town is you signed with Don King. That's a huge accomplishment. How did that all happen?
TB: Through a friend, he introduced me to Don and let him know about me. The rest was history. He's been trying to get a hold of me for a while.
AS: Can you provide any details on your contract with King?
TB: Well it's a three year deal, and it's a pretty good contract. I'm satisfied with it and if not, I wouldn't have signed.
AS: Back to your quest for a world record, location is always a big thing for fighters. It can make or break them in a fight. Just ask Cory Spinks when he fought Zab Judah. When do you plan on fighting again and where would you like to break the record?
TB: First of all, on look on Boxrec, I've fought all over. Location isn't a problem and I plan on breaking it possibly on July 14 in North Dakota. We don't know yet. It's going to be very soon and with Don King.
AS: Would you prefer a hometown crowd, or would you rather fight in front of your opponent's hometown when fighting?
TB: It doesn't matter, as long as I can get it done.
AS: Which fighters are currently on your radar for your next big fight?
TB: Anybody who wants to step up and get past one round with me. The guy with the best record gets it. Like I said it's up to Don or my manager. It's about stepping up and getting TV time. Whoever Don wants, I'll fight. We'll start a 6-8 week training camp, and be ready.
AS: How serious are you taking this upcoming fight, and who are you sparring with to prepare?
TB: I plan on taking EVERY fight serious. Ain't no half-stepping. I'll spar with anyone. We've got hungry sparring partners, nothing but the best.
AS: If successful in your next fight, what are you planning to do to celebrate?
TB: I'm going to ask Don to let me fight for a world title. Let's do it. I think Don has plans October for heavyweights Sam Peter and Oleg Maskaev, and I plan on trying to get on that card.
AS: Your very determined to take the boxing world by storm. What do you have to say to the people who think your a fluke?
TB: Listen, that's when they have to ask themselves a question. Who in Philadelphia is a fluke? Ain't no punk. I'm a 100% skilled fighter. I'm really talented. I'm the best, ain't no one hit wonder. I helped Cintron win the belt, and helped Ouma get ready for Jermain. I was real young, and if I helped them how am I a joke? Anyone got a problem can contact Don to fight. Anyone from 154 to 160 holla at me. Ain't ducking nobody. Whoever want it, call Don, as long as the money is right, and we'll set it up.
AS: What's the pressure for you like going to be come the night you take a shot at history?
TB: It's a lot of pressure but I know I can get the job done. Like my man Curtis Stevens says, "check in check out early". I'm a smart fighter. Nobody on my level. They can't out-think me. Right now, I know I can beat top 15 fighters easily.
AS: Just a random question really, who is your dream fight? What fighter from the past or present would you love to fight?
TB: We want the best fights. A good fight would be against whoever got the belts. I'm ready for it. A belt is a belt. It is what it is. I turn down no fight. I don't ask who to fight. Managers pick the fights, and I knock em out. For dream fight, a fight with Fernando Vargas or Ricardo Mayorga would be great. If Oscar De La Hoya decides to come back we can do it too. I'm tired of people thinking I'm a joke. I'll let everyone know right now, if anybody wanna step up, get in contact with Don and let's make the match. Let's see how people step up then. I ain't ducking nobody.
AS: Well Tyrone, it's been a great talk. Anything you would like to say in closing?
TB: Thank you again, man. Thank you, I hope we do more interviews in the future and I hope you'll be there when I'm raising my hand when I win a world title. I'd like to thank my fans and my family, everybody.
AS: Thanks a lot Tyrone, good luck in your future, and give me a call as soon as you find out anything going on.
TB: No problem man, thanks a lot.
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