LaRon Mitchell (13-0, 13 KOs), one of the more active heavyweight prospects, fights for the fourth time this year on the co-feature of Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” event this Friday, Aug. 26, from the Omega Products Events Center in Corona, Calif.
The San Francisco-based Mitchell takes on Mexico’s Mario Heredia (14-4, 12 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 8-rounds.
“I’m ready to rock and roll,” Mitchell said. “I was ready to fight three weeks ago.”
Thompson Boxing asked the heavyweight knockout artist a series of questions ahead of Friday’s showdown against Heredia. Below is a transcript.
What do you know about your opponent, Mario Heredia?
“He’s a hell of a fighter. He’s a natural boxer, which means he can adapt and make changes on the fly. He probably would have been more competitive against Andrey Fedosov had he maintained his weight a bit better. That doesn’t change the fact that he’s got real talent. I’m expecting a tough fight from him.”
Your full-time job takes you to St. Elizabeth’s Elementary in Oakland where you teach physical education. What kind of support do you get from the students, teachers, and staff at St. Elizabeth’s?
“They love it when I have a fight coming up. Nothing will make me happier than to win a world title and bring that belt to the school and my gym. It will show the kids that you can go against all the odds and still accomplish what you want. You’re not given anything in the sport of boxing; you have to earn it. That message can be applied to any industry or career. You want something bad enough; you have to be willing to work for it.”
What do you make of your KO winning streak, which has swelled to thirteen?
“I never look passed the fight that I have. You never know what can happen. The heavyweight division in boxing is not fair. You can dominate the majority of a fight, but if you get caught, your night is over. Every fight gets tougher and this one follows that pattern. I prepare the same for every opponent. We plan on going the full eight rounds. We don’t say to ourselves that we’re going to win by knockout.”
Last year you fought at the Omega Products Events Center. What’s your take on the outdoor venue?
“I love it. The fans are incredible. They respect the fighters. It doesn’t matter if you’re the first fight on the undercard, or if you’re the main event. As long as you give it your all, the fans will show you a tremendous amount of love.”
In the main event, NABA Champion Danny Roman (19-2-1, 7 KOs) defends his 122-pound title for the fourth time against Mexico’s Enrique Quevedo (16-7-1, 10 KOs) (10-rounds).
