Max Alexander interview

Photo by Mike McGuigan

February 9th, marks the return of up and coming Light Heavyweight prospect Max Alexander, a Camden, NJ native fighting out of Philadelphia whose has become one of the more popular names in the area. While the local fans know what he is all about, he is ready to take it to the next level and many agree that he has what it takes to succeed. Mike Cassell of ESPN’s Philadelphia Boxing Report touts Max as the next Roy Jones Jr. His skills have a few big name promoters interested in acquiring his services. Max returns to the ring on in a rematch of sorts against Minnesota’s Marty “The Wolfman” Lindquist on a card aptly labeled “Can Lightening Strike Twice” at the Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia. The 12 - 0 Light Heavyweight was having a stellar 2006 until he met Lindquist in October for a fight that became filled with controversy and subplots. It was eventually was ruled a no-contest by the state athletic commission and Max is ready to set the record straight once and for all. He recently took a few minutes to talk to Philly Keith Sports to let us know how he has been, where is now and where he plans to go in the future.


Philly Keith Sports: It’s been a little while since we have seen you in the ring, how do you feel physically, mentally?

Max Alexander: I’m feeling ready to fight, time to get back in the ring and do what I do best. I feel really good.

PK: What have you been doing to stay buy lately? I heard you have been sparring with a lot of tough fighters of late.

MA: I’ve been keeping my regular routine at Liberties Gym which is 5 days a week working with my trainer Danny Davis. Yes, I have been getting good sparring in to, most recently working with Eddie Chambers, who is an outstanding heavyweight, his record is amazing. I have been taking in different in things, he is a much bigger guy weighing in around 225 so I gotta box him and stay on my toes, stay away from his power. It has been good work for both of us. I also helped Kassim Ouma get ready for his fight against Jermain Taylor. I think Ouma showed how tough he is in that fight. That was very good experience because I helped him out and he liked my work. In the future he will be fighting for millions and hopefully I will be right there with him.

PK: You were scheduled to fight the former Quebec Light heavyweight Champ David Whittom, do you know anything about him, and how were you preparing for this fight?

MA: I’ve seen some tapes on him. He likes to put pressure on, cut off the ring, he is about 6’2 and seems like a strong kid but it doesn’t matter because he’s not gonna come over here box how I wanna box or move how I wanna move. I’m just not gonna let him. I train for everyone differently and for this one I have my game plan.

PK: This is good way to kick off the year, what do you plan to accomplish in 2007?

MA: I want to stay active and get to around 18 – 0, get ranked in IBA, WBO or another sanctioning body. Become a contender and position myself for HBO, and get ready for a title shot beginning of next year. My main goal is to win a couple of belts.

PK: What are your thoughts on the light heavyweight division overall right now, how long before you think you are seriously challenging for a world title?

MA: Think the division needs some help. Not one light heavyweight that stands out to me. It is iffy division, hopefully I can come in let my talent and skills take over. I think it could be by the end of this year or 2008 I will be challenging for a title.

PK:Going back a little bit, you had a very strong 2006 although it ended with some controversy. I hear that you will be fighting Marty Lindquist in a rematch on February 9th at The Blue. How important is this fight to you?

MA: I was very active in 2006, had like 7 fights which is more than most. I’m not going to say much on him, I will show everyone what Max Alexander is all about February 9th. Everyone will see a good, entertaining fight which is what I always bring.

PK:Looking forward, anyone in particular you want to fight?

MA: I will take on whoever is on top of the game at the time. I would love to fight Roy Jones but these guys might just be my stepping stones by the time I get up there. Whoever is up top will be dethroned.

PK:Finish this sentence for me… in December 2007, fight fans around the world will say that Max Alexander is……

MA: A hard working, dedicated, well rounded boxer, eventually compared to Floyd and all the greats, probably have one or 2 belts. People will know me as a boxer not just a fighter

PK: Anything you want to say in closing?

MA: Come see me at the Blue February 9th, get the cameras ready.


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