How is everything going in preparation for your upcoming bout on November 11?
Preparation is going good. I just finished up a twelve round sparring session about an hour ago so we're right where we need to be and I'm looking forward to displaying my levels on November 11.
What do you know about Luis "Cuba" Arias?
I know that he has somewhat of a decent amateur background, not that that means anything in the professional game. I know he's a former TMT guy and I know that he's a big brash talker. 18-0, I know this kid is coming to take my glory so I have to do my part. I have to stay leveled, I have to remain focused on November 11.
Other than victory do you have a prediction for November 11?
I don't do predictions, I just want to go in there and put some pain on him, that's really what I want to get out of this fight. I don't like to jinx it and put myself in position to not live up to it. I just want to get the victory, it could be an ugly victory, as long as I get it. I'm expecting a pretty, I don't want to say easy, but I'm expecting to put on a masterful boxing performance.
How do you feel about being back on HBO? Is the fact that all of the action at middleweight is over there what fueled that decision?
Most definitely. And the fact that I have somebody willing to push me and only me, it makes me secure in making that decision. I have somebody behind me that wants to make me a superstar, a promoter who's job is to build stars so I'm grateful to have these opportunities.
You're still with Al Haymon though, correct?
Well I'm not a PBC fighter anymore, but Al is still my advisor.
How do you feel about headlining at the Nassau Coliseum?
I think it's great. It's still in New York so I'm going to have my fans, family and friends there. This is a good opportunity for me to broaden my fan base. It's just giving me an opportunity to shine and I'm sure the arena is going to be filled that night. This is going to be my coming out party in a sense, because Arias is tough and game and that's going to make for a great show. I just have to look at it as my opportunity to shine and get all the things that's in the near future.
What are you hoping a victory over Arias leads to?
A title shot. I'm hoping that it's going to lead to a fight with the winner of Saunders and Lemiuex. We have a strategic game plan and I'm going to execute it. All I have to do is take care of my part and win.
Who do you like in Saunders-Lemiuex?
I like David Lemieux, but I think BJ might edge him. With BJ when it comes to bigger fights he kind of steps up. Even though he's limited he steps up, I don't think David Lemiuex is going to be able to handle the jab or the fluidity, we've seen how he wasn't able to handle the jab with GGG so I think it might be the same thing.
Is Canelo the end game for you? Is that the fight that will turn you into the kind of superstar you want to be?
These guys are backed by networks and their countrymen. I'm not saying they're not good, but I'm just looking to build my own brand to even out the playing field and bring more to the table. I'm looking forward to being a superstar by the time a fight like that happens. I want to be able to put even more in the pot, because I do understand this is a business and I don't want to hear any excuses that I don't bring enough to the table.
Closing thoughts?
I have a new chapter starting on November 11 and I'm really looking forward to this opportunity, and I want to thank all of my fans. I'm going to do my best to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world, that's the goal and I'm working my you know what off to get it.