Interview with former NABA heavyweight champ Nate Jones

By Ike Enwereuzor

03.02 - Former NABA heavyweight champ Nate Jones of Chicago, IL now (18-2) 9KO's lost his NABA title to Friday Ahunanya in March 2001. This is what Jones had to say before his showdown with hard punching heavyweight Lamon Brewster now (26-2) 23KO's.

Your thoughts of Lamon Brewster?
Good fighter. He can hit hard.

Please, describe your two fights with Lamon Brewster as amateurs?
He beat me twice, he got a good punching power. My two fights with him as amateur were good fights. I fought him for olympic trail, he stop me one time. Everybody has something special.

How was your professional debut?
Good fight. It was a different situation because it was the first time to fight without a head gear.

Describe your sparring with Milan Hinich, Oliver Mccall, Larry Donald?
I always have a great workout with these guy. It's alway an even competition. Milan is a very good fighter and trains very hard.

Your prediction of Klitschko-Bean bout?
Bean has a big chance, he can give and take too.

Describe your involvement in Olympics 1992?
Beautiful but I was nervous.

Comment to fans?
I appreciate their supports for all these years and this year will be my year.

Tell us about your fight with Friday Ahunanya?
I was robbed in that fight. I beat him almost like the Russian White kid did. I think I won 10 out of the 12 rounds but I don't know what happened. I beat him clear like that White kid (Sergei Liakhovich).

Why didn't you fight Henry Akinwande?
It was cancelled because of the september 11, incident, it was suppose to happen in China but they put him with Oliver McCall who knocked Henry out.

Your impression of Fres Oquendo?
Good fighter, I beat him three time during amateurs and all were good fights.

Your thoughts of Mosley-Forrest fight?
Good fight. Forrest took advantage of his height. He was very confident and dominated the entire fight and could have stopped Shane Mosley. Many didn't expect Forrest to Dominate the way he did. I was like Hopkins-Trinidad fight. I wish Vernon the best of luck.

Thank you for your time.
You're welcome Ike.