By George M. Phillips
Nicolai Firtha is a rising heavyweight prospect based out of the rubber city Akron, Ohio, a town that produced a Heavyweight Champion named Michael Dokes. George Phillips sat down with Nicolai at the Old School Boxing Gym in Cleveland, Ohio where he is preparing for his February 10th fight against James Porter.
Nicolai Firtha
27 Years old
6’5
235lbs
Akron, Ohio
9-3-1 (5ko)
Club: Don King’s Gym/Good Shepherd Boxing Club
Education: Kent State University
Coach/Trainer: Joe Firtha/ Uncle Mike Firtha both seasoned fighters and trainers.
Began Boxing: Age 20
Pro Career Highlight: KO of Dave Chappell
Draw to Boxing: Father and Uncle Mike
Other Sports Played: Water Polo
Love Most About Boxing: The competitiveness and going 1 on 1 with someone and seeing who the best is.
Favorite Movie: The Godfather
Favorite Song: Going to California
Favorite TV Show: Boston Legal
Did you know: His middle name is Gabriel
Hobbies outside of Boxing: Pool, Darts, Mountain Biking, anything competitive
BoxingScene.com: Why the name “The Stone Man”
I am the third stone man. My father Joe was the original stone man and a close family friend Joe DeSalvo was the second stone man. It is my responsibility to keep the stone man name alive.
BoxingScene.com: You were highly touted as an amateur with highlights that include the 2004 Olympic Trials, 4X Golden Gloves Champion, 4X 5 state regional champion, and the Indiana Black Expo Champion. You began your career with three straight wins then a Draw to Lamar Stephens. In the rematch you lost a 6 round decision. What effect did your first loss do for you in a positive and/or negative manner?
The loss hurt a bit. I was under the impression that I would go 20-0 to start my career before having to face the reality of a loss. What the readers need to know is that my fights were not just to build my record like some fighters do. Or fights were picked to test my abilities each time out and not just to build a false sence of hope. Although I lost the fight, I learned much from that fight that has helped me even more so than if I would have fought an opponent that did not test me.
BoxingScene.com: You then came back from your loss with 4 straight wins, then lost your first regional title fight to James Northy. Two months later, you suffered a TKO loss to Josue Blocus. Did you make some changes in your fight preparation that may have lead to these losses?
I trained hard for the Northey fight and at that time was in the best shape of my career. This was a brutal fight that I somewhat disagree with the decision. There is not much one can do to change the past, just learn the lessons from the negative experience and move forward. Doing that makes one a better fighter and also a better person.
BoxingScene.com: You are making your ring return on February 10th in Cleveland, Ohio on the undercard of the Vonda Ward vs. Martha Salazar WBC Heavyweight Championship fight. What have you learned as a result of your last tow fights and what will you do to ensure a victory over James Porter who recently defeated Obed Sullivan.
I can not divulge all of my secrets prior to fight night, but I will say that during my layoff from the ring I have gone back to my roots. To say that I am hungry again is an understatement, I am starving.
BoxingScene.com: There are rumors circulating that you are on a collision coarse with another Akron Fighter George Lunberger. Can you confirm these rumors?
George, the rumors are true. Ever since the Olympic Trials, George has been calling my out on the radio, TV and in the print media. The only thing he does not have the guts to do at this point is call me out to my face. When he does that we will see who the heavyweight king of Akron is. It is my time to shine. His days are numbered.
BoxingScene.com: Your father has had a life long history in the sport of boxing. Tell us what it is like to be managed by him and how has his knowledge of the sweet science assisted you in your development.
Dad has been with me from day one. He has been there for me at my proudest moments and my darkest hours. With out him, I would not be where I am at today. He not only taught me to box, but taught me to be a student of the game, to appreciate and respect its storied history and to make a future for myself.
BoxingScene.com: What are your plans after boxing?
I hope to become heavyweight champion of the world. After that, I hope to become a teacher and work with the youth as a mentor and a role model. Also, perhaps boxing can open some doors in the broadcasting arena or perhaps as a trainer. I will stay around the sport in some level all my life.
BoxingScene.com: Anything to say to your fans?
First and foremost, thank you for your continued support. Thank you for believing in my and my abilities. I am expecting many fans at this fight and they will see the new and improved Nicolai Firtha. Without my fan support, I am nothing. Let’s go to the top together.