Tony [Walters] was one of the first international world-class athlete I had ever dealt with and I was lucky enough to have him as a coach and he taught me a lot about the mental aspects of training and competition.

When I was a kid, I did martial arts because boxing wasn't really available on Long Island. I think now kids are able to begin boxing earlier. So it's great and whatever can promote the sport on a whole is a good thing. And if we can do it on Long Island, where I am from, it's a beautiful thing.

I am an aggressive style boxer and I will be in there to mix it up, but it's going to be in a smart way.

I drink mate every day during training camp, and just in general. It's packed full of vitamins and nutrients and a lot of B vitamins that you would normally get from meat. The caffeine in there affects me less and it's more like a stimulant. I can drink more of it and it's hydrating as well. It's one of my favorite drinks, especially on a cold morning.

I knew my time would come I just had to stay focused and disciplined and if you work hard good things happen. I am right where I am supposed to be.

I am just focused on what's in front of me. I really can't worry about or complain about the WBO situation at this point.

I feel like I fight an aggressive style - smart / aggressive.