LaJuan Simon Interview

U.S.B.A. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION - Lajuan Simon

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By: Charles "The Hatchet" Brewer

In a weight class, that has been defined by most as one of the “Toughest”, the middleweight division, over the years, has had its share of standouts. Philadelphia middleweights, at one particular time, could have been considered the “ambassadors” of BAD-ASSES. Sure the days of Watts, Hart, Hayward, Monroe & Briscoe are now cemented in the city’s pugilistic history, only to be replaced, by modern day standouts such as, Brewer & Hopkins, just to name a few. Another warrior looking to one day be included in this city’s rich boxing history is USBA Champion, Lajuan Simon (17-0-9ko’s).
I had the opportunity to speak with Lujuan about his upcoming title defense:

Hatchet: WHAT AGE DID YOU BEGIN BOXING
LS: I began at the age of 16 but wasn’t serious about it. It wasn’t until the age of 19 that I really began to dedicate myself to boxing and started taking boxing serious.

Hatchet: WAS THERE ANYTHING OR ANYONE, THAT GOT YOU INVOLVED IN BOXING
LS: I was watching the Hagler – Mugabi fight and after seeing how the difficult that fight was for Hagler, and seeing him rally back to ko Mugabi, I thought to myself, “I can do this” that fight, motivated me to become serious about a boxing career.

Hatchet: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A PHILLY FIGHTER
LS: it feels good, but you know what, I never looked at it that way. But with guys like yourself and Bernard Hopkins being from Philly, it feels good

Hatchet: HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE
Ls: I’m a Pressure fighter, a boxer puncher

Hatchet: HOW HAS TRAINING GONE FOR THIS FIGHT
LS: It’s going good, although I’m disappointed that my original opponent. KofI Jantuah (31-3-20KO-1D), was changed to now Elco Garcia (19-6-9ko’s)

Hatchet: JANTUAH, ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO FIGHING JANTUAH NEXT
LS: definitely, a victory over Jantuah, will place me in the top 15, in the world

Hatchet: WHO’S BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST OPPONENT TO DATE AND WHY
LS: Levan Easley, because my jaw was broken in that fight, in the third round but even with injury, I was able to pull a majority decision.

Hatchet: NOW THAT YOU’VE ACQUIRED THE USBA TITLE, HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL
LS: It makes me feel good, it motivates me to acquire a world championship

Hatchet: PREDICTIONS, A KO IN THIS FIGHT OR PLAY IT SAFE AND GO FOR THE DECISION
LS: KO, I’ll stop him in the later rounds

Hatchet: GOING FORWARD, WHO DO WANT TO FIGHT
LS: Kelly Pavlk, Jermaine Taylor, and John Duddy whoever can get me to the top.

Hatchet: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR FANS
LS: Thanks for the support, I’ll be world champion soon.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com

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