By Ryan Burton

 

BoxingScene.com recently spoke with cruiserweight contender BJ Flores (24-1) who faces Nick Iannuzzi (16-2) on July 23rd.  The fight takes place in Springfield, MO where Flores will fight in front of his hometown fans.

 

The part time ESPN commentator last fought in November when he suffered his first career lost, a unanmious decision to IBO champion Danny Green.  Rather than looking for an easy tune up in his first fight back, Flores opted to face Iannuzzi who is coming off a close loss to cruiserweight up and comer Lateef Kayode.  Some observers felt that Iannuzzi had done enough to win the fight.

 

"I respect Nick because he has shown that he is a top level Nnorth American cruiserweight. In his last fight with Lateef Kayode, Nick went in there and outboxed a guy who is very highly rated.  This is the type of guy I wanted! It won't be easy," Flores revealed to BoxingScene.com

 

Flores has been back in the gym training under the guidance of long time trainer Jacob Chavez.  Realizing that a win over Iannuzzi would get him back in the mix for a title shot, Flores has been in camp training extremely hard.

 

"I have been working too hard for too long and styles make fights. Regardless of how Nick decides to fight, I will have an answer for whatever style he brings to the ring. I have too much amateur and pro experience for this guy. He is very tough and gritty but on July 23 he will find out very quickly what its like to be in with a tough, rugged fighter who has been carefully matched like Lateef Kayode compared to a world class fighter who has been in the ring with every type of fighter."

 

Flores, now based in Las Vegas, NV, plans to be more active than he has been the past couple years.  Flores gained a great deal of experience from going overseas to face Danny Green in Australia.  He plans on using that experience in his future fights, starting with his showdown versus Iannuzzi.

 

"I am in a very good place mentally right now. I have learned from my experience in Australia. I have to be more active and I have to stay consistent if I expect to beat the best. This fight will be a 'statement' type of fight for me."

 

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