From amateur standout, to professional prospect, from hard working sparring partner for the likes of Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, to world renowned trainer, and Hall of Famer, John Bray has pretty much seen and done all in the world of boxing.
With his knowledge of the “sweet science”, Bray has passed down that know how to many fighters, even went as far as guiding two time world champion Robert Guerrero to his first world title strap.
And come December 19th, trainer John Bray will have the opportunity to have another champion in his stable, as his fighter, middleweight contender Miguel Espino takes on the WBC/WBO champion Kelly Pavlik.
In this exclusive interview John Bray speaks out on his time with Miguel Espino, and the upcoming fight against Kelly Pavlik, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
You have the big fight coming up December 19th, where your fighter Miguel Espino will take on champ Kelly Pavlik. You have Espino have been together for such a long time, what has it been like for you to see Miguel grow from prospect, to contender to maybe a world champion?
John Bray
You know what Benny, I have not only seen Miguel grow as a fighter, but I seen him grow from being a boy to becoming a man. It is very special; this fight is huge in his life and his family’s life. Miguel is sole care taker, he takes care of family, and this fight will put him into a different tax bracket.
BH
You and I have spoken on and off the record for a few years now, just the same as Miguel and I have spoken. I as well have gotten to see Miguel mature as a fighter. So what do you say to Miguel to keep him grounded? I mean he is a young guy, just did a movie with Mark Wahlberg, and his name is getting more clout in the business of boxing, now he is fighting for a world title. What do you say to keep Miguel grounded and not overwhelmed with the rise in popularity?
JB
You known what, I really don’t have to say much, Miguel keeps humble, he is grateful for all the opportunities, he is grateful for the life God has given him. The kid is a working kid, it is not like he is going home to Beverly Hills and driving a Mercedes. He stills lives in an apartment, he is right on the brink of doing something real big. And when he does it I will make sure that he keeps his head out of the clouds, and keep his feet grounded. But I don’t see that being to difficult or being a big job foe me, he is humble.
BH
Kelly Pavlik is a very talented strong fighter, what preparations have you guys taken for this fight?
JB
I am not going to give up the game plan Benny, you know what, we are looking to stand in the ring go toe to toe, punch for punch, we know what kind of guy Kelly Pavlik is, they know what kind of fighter Miguel Espino is, this is going to be fireworks. You have two warriors, one wants the title and one wants to keep the title. It is going to be a hell of a fight.
BH
You have seen Miguel grow, we know what this fight means to Miguel, but what does it mean for you, as a trainer, friend, mentor?
JB
It means a lot to me, when I got Miguel he was a world class amateur, a good fighter. We made that transition from the amateurs to the pros, polishing him up giving him new tools and transforming him in to the fighter he is today. I think that Miguel is a world rounded fighter; he knows what he is doing out there. This means a lot to me.
Writers Note: I have personally worked with John Bray for years now, from interviewing him, to his fighters, to taking his advice for my own short boxing career. I consider John to be a great ambassador for the sport of boxing, and I am honored to call him friend. I wish you well my brother.
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Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Miguel Espino
