It has been a long journey for middleweight contender Miguel Espino 20-2-1 (9), in fact it has been nine years, twenty-three fights and one hundred and nineteen rounds of blood, sweat and tears, but the sacrifices will pay off this weekend as Espino takes on the WBC/WBO middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik 35-1 (31), in Miguel’s first attempt for a world title strap.
Espino, a twenty-nine year old Californian, was a competitor on the boxing series, “The Contender”, and all though a grounded humble fighter, he is tough as nails and lets it all hang out when he climbs in the ring.
Espino’s only two losses have come from the hands of Peter Manfredo and Daniel Edouard, both via decision. But Miguel has defeated the likes of Jonathan Reid (5th R TKO), Sergey Stepkin (UD) and Alejandro Garcia (6th R RTD), and aims to add Kelly Pavlik to his list of fallen foes. Espino has earned the WBC CABOFE middleweight title, but now he aims to earn the WBC/WBO world titles as well.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Convicted Artist Magazine, Espino speaks out on his upcoming bout against Pavlik, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
I know you are excited about this weekend’s upcoming title fight against Kelly Pavlik, how would a win over Pavlik change your life?
Miguel Espino
It is not really going to change much, everybody is saying your whole life is going to change, but I know I am going to stay grounded and humble. If it changes at all, it will change my address hopefully, maybe get a nice little spot to live in that I own. I just want to be able to support my Mom and my sister.
BH
Kelly is a big strong guy, what are your thoughts on Pavlik?
ME
People ask me what do I think, honestly I don’t know, if I could talk to people after the first round maybe I’ll say this mother can crack, or he is not all of that. I really cannot say until I get into the ring.
BH
Pavlik has beaten Miranda, has two wins over Taylor, and blew out Locket, lost to Hopkins. Did you see those fights, and if so what did you take away from those fights that could help you against Pavlik?
ME
As far as those fights, the ones that he won, he was very impressive, I mean I am a fan. I think the main thing is to never be on the ropes with Pavlik, if I can do that I think our game plan that we have going into this fight will have us coming out with the W.
BH
What do you feel that a Kelly Pavlik vs. Miguel Espino brings to the Middleweight division?
ME
Honestly, it doesn’t bring a whole lot, because a lot of people are like, Miguel who? Oh that guy who was on The Contender. It is not on HBO, Showtime, ESPN, PPV or anything, as far as the division it just has the champion defending his title, and it gives me an opportunity. As far as anything else, it is not a big huge fight, I am sure after I whip on him it will be a huge fight, but until then it is not a crazy thing now.
BH
So what you are saying is that before the fight, fans are saying, Miguel who? But after the fight, oh that Miguel!
ME
Exactly, it is all good, the average Joe in Ohio is like, another Mexican is coming over here? But some fans, die hard fans know me.
BH
You have had John Bray in your corner for so long now, what does it mean that you and he together have grown from an amateur to hopefully a world champ, what does it mean to you?
ME
It is a great deal, honestly, it means the world to me. John is like a father figure so it would be great.
BH
Any message you would send out to Kelly Pavlik, or to his fans or the entire fight world before this fight?
ME
Don’t sleep on me, people doubt me, but don’t sleep on me. I am going to go out there and do my thing, regardless I will be middleweight champion of the world.
BH
Anything in closing?
ME
I am happy for this opportunity, I am humble and grateful.
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