Junior Wright Interview: My WBC Battle with Bujaj is Like Hagler versus Hearns
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
When Marvelous Marvin Hagler fought Thomas Hearns on April 15, 1985, they fought an eight minute war which some still consider to be the greatest fight ever in the modern era. It was a wild action packed slugfest, with all boxing strategies thrown out the window, and Hagler turning the bout into a bloody and ugly street fight.
On May 15, 2015, Dmitriy Salita will present a fight card at the Millenium Theater in Brighton Beach, with Stivens Bujaj of New York City facing Junior Wright of Evanston, Illinois, in a ten rounder for the vacant World Boxing Council International Cruiserweight title and a WBC world rating. Bujaj, 12-0 with nine knockouts, and Wright, 10-0 with nine knockouts, are on a violent collision course.
Wright fought over 60 amateur fights, winning Golden Gloves tournaments in Chicago three times. Wright won the 2006 Golden Gloves in Chicago at Middleweight Novice, the 2008 Golden Gloves at Middleweight in the Open category, and the 2009 Chicago Golden Gloves at Light Heavyweight in the Open category.
In a Real Combat Media interview exclusive, Wright predicted victory over Bujaj, a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion at heavyweight open in 2009 and 2010. The weight disparity in amateur background did not bother Wright, who is grateful for the opportunity fight, and the chance to earn a WBC world rating and perhaps open doors and get signed by a New York City area promoter with some exposure bouts in New York City later in 2014.
Real Combat Media: “You were offered contracts by several Chicago area promoters but as yet have not signed with any of them.”
Junior Wright: “Wasfi Tolaymat of Chicago Fight Promotion asked me if I wanted to take a professional match. I stayed free (from signed a contract) so I had other options. I continued fighting.”
Real Combat Media: “Would you move to New York City if the right promotional contract were to come your way?”
Junior Wright: “Chicago area is where I live. I have to stay here. I like it in Chicago.
Real Combat Media: “How did you hook up with your trainer, Rick Wilson?”
Junior Wright: “I won the Chicago Golden Gloves. I did well. I felt I could do better. I met Rick, and I liked the way Rick was talking to me. He was telling me things that made a lot of sense. He was just what I needed (in a trainer). I did 10 amateur fights with Rick. I won the regionals (Golden Gloves) and went to the nationals in Colorado in 2008. My manager Steve Clemente, and my train Rick Wilson have my best interests in heart, so I do what they tell me to do.”
Real Combat Media: “How’s your training coming along?”
Junior Wright: “I feel good, in terms of training. Training is real good. We’ve increased the intensity (of my workouts) longer. We run and go to the gym, but we do things a lot longer.”
Real Combat Media: “Do you study your opponents?”
Junior Wright: “I don’t study my opponents. What I see is what’s gonna happen.”
Real Combat Media: “You are putting your career on the table against Stivens Bujaj.”
Junior Wright: “The stakes are very high for both of us. We are fighting a World Boxing Council International title fight. It will be our first ten rounder. I (have) thought about it. I know it (the bout) isn’t going to be easy. It’s good (to fight this bout) to see where I’m at. I’m just gonna keep working hard and hope for the best. My coach feels I’m ready for 10 rounds. I feel it (the bout) is going to be one hell of a challenge.”
Real Combat Media:” What does winning this fight mean to you?”
Junior Wright: “Everything. A lot of doors will open.”
Real Combat Media: “Are you anxious to win the WBC regional title belt at stake?”
Junior Wright: “Belts. I want one. The rating (WBC world ranking) is more of an interest. I want to move up as quickly as I can. I’m interested in the rating, the experience, the opportunity, everything. It’s dangerous (to take this bout) but it’s an opportunity.”
Real Combat Media: “How do you feel about fighting in New York City?”
Junior Wright: “I’m cool with it.”
Real Combat Media: “Make a prediction for your bout with Stivens Bujaj.”
Junior Wright: “We (me and Bujaj) are both punchers, so we both have a puncher’s chance. It’s gonna be a shootout! It’s gonna be like Marvelous Marvin Hagler versus Thomas Hearns. I can box, I can punch. I’m more of a boxer puncher.”
Real Combat Media: “Will your bout with Bujaj be clean or dirty?”
Junior Wright: “I think it’s gonna be real dirty, a head on collision. I’m gonna outlast him (Bujaj). I have endurance. I think I do better (as a boxer) against guys who are aggressive dangerous.”
Real Combat Media: “Who are the fighters you would like to fight in the future?”
Junior Wright: “Guillermo Jones is extremely dangerous. Vadim Chakhkiev is another extremely dangerous boxer. Jones is real easy to hit, and the Russian guy is a one dimensional fighter.”
Real Combat Media: “Would you fight Marco Huck, Ola Afolabi, Latif Kayode, Yoan Pablo Hernandez, and Krzystof Wlodarczyk? They are among the best fighters in the cruiserweight division.”
Junoi Wright: “Hell yeah. Right now they would be extremely dangerous, but eventually (I want to fight them).”
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