By Joe Harrison
On Saturday, May 6th, the former world title challenger DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson will be taking on the 26 year-old undefeated prospect Mike Mollo at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Mollo (15-0, 9 KO’s) currently holds the WBC, IBF, and WBO Latino titles and has been very anxious to step up in competition. A victory over Williamson (22-4, 18 KO’s) would certainly give him a major boost in the heavyweight rankings.
The heavyweight division could certainly use another young prospect and Mollo definitely seems up to the task. Recently, I was able to talk with Mike Mollo and find out was he’s all about.
BoxingScene.com - How has your training been, has everything gone well?
Mike Mollo - Yeah, no injuries, I feel in great shape. I’m really looking forward to the fight, big time. I trained hard, did everything I was supposed to do. Just looking forward to the fight.
BoxingScene.com - When did you first begin boxing?
Mike Mollo - I started boxing when I was 15 years old. I started fighting in the amateurs.
BoxingScene.com - Do you have an idol, or favorite boxer of all time?
Mike Mollo - Definitely Rocky Marciano. He’s my favorite.
BoxingScene.com - So far, up to date, what has been your greatest victory?
Mike Mollo - My last fight against Lobo. I knocked him out in the sixth round and won three Latino titles.
BoxingScene.com - How do you feel about getting in the ring with DaVarryl Williamson? Do you see him as a major threat to your undefeated record?
Mike Mollo - I don’t take Williamson lightly. It’s not going to be easy. He’s been in there with a lot of fighters, he’s seen it all. I plan on getting inside and working real hard. I’ll impose my will on him, the will to win. I plan on winning, I’m not going to back up, and I’m not going to get pushed around.
BoxingScene.com - Assuming you defeat Williamson, what are your next goals or where do you go next?
Mike Mollo - I’m really not looking at anything except Williamson right now. He’s the only thing I’m focusing on. I never look past anything. That’s why I win.
BoxingScene.com - In your opinion, who do you think is the number one heavyweight in the world today?
Mike Mollo - That’s hard to say, things change so much. You got guys with such heart like Lyakhovich who took out Brewster, that was amazing. Then there’s that guy who hits like a freight train, Samuel Peter, and Wladimir Klitschko who just tears someone apart. People say that the heavyweight division is thirsty, and in a way it is, a lot of the fighters do what they need to win. Yet, when they’re winning and they’ve developed a winning streak, they’re stuck in their glory, they seem to get lazy and they come into their next fight looking horrible. They come in over-weight, they’re heavy, they’re too confident, and then they get beaten. A lot like Brewster, he should’ve beaten Lyakhovich. So it’s hard to say who the best heavyweight is with nobody holding onto their title.
BoxingScene.com - A lot of people are beginning to debate whether or not Wladimir Klitschko may be today’s top heavyweight. What do you think?
Mike Mollo – It’s a very very good observation. I’d like to see Klitschko fight Nikolay Valuev. I definitely think Klitschko can beat someone like Valuev easily. He’d whip Valuev.
BoxingScene.com – Can you picture yourself fighting any of the top heavyweights such as Lyakhovich, Brewster, or Klitschko down the road?
Mike Mollo - Absolutely, I wouldn’t back down from any challenge, especially if the money’s right. I have a really great work ethic, I’m confident with my endurance and my training. I do everything hard and I work hard. I give 100 percent. I really don’t think any of those other guys are stronger than I am. They definitely don’t have more heart than I do.
Mollo seemed very motivated and determined after 11 weeks of training for his big fight coming up against Williamson. I certainly wish him the best and it would be nice to see him become the next top prospect of the heavyweight division.
(Thanks to Trayce Zimmermann for setting up this interview)