Mikkel ‘Slick Mick’ Lespiere Interview: Future Champion in Training at Gleason’s Gym
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
Welterweight prospect Mikkel Lespiere of New York City is unbeaten in his first five professional bouts. On May 17, 2014, at Millenium Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, Lespiere will face Raphael Luna of Albany, New York. Luna fought New York City’s 2013 ‘Club Fight of the Year’ last December in a six round draw against Dimash Niyazov. Nicknamed ‘Slink Mick’, Lespiere had a 36-13 amateur record, including winning the 2007 Empire State Games, winning the 2008 New York Metro championship, reaching the semifinals of the New York Golden Gloves in 2011, and participating in the 2012 Olympic trials.
Lespiere’s online website is at http://www.mikkellespierre.com/#!/page_
His Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/slikkmikk
Real Combat Media: “How did you get your start in boxing?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “I was 16 years old. I had a friend who had a father who was into boxing. I trained at the new Bed-Stuy Gym. I trained (at that time) with Owen Campbell, who trained Richard ‘The Alien’ Grant.”
Reader’s Note: Light Heavyweight Richard Grant, with trainer Own Campbell in his corner,defeated James Butler at Roseland Ballroom in November 2001. Butler then infamously sucker punched him after the bout in the ring and went to jail for assault.
Real Combat Media: “When did you get serious with boxing?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “I graduated from Transit Tech High School. I wanted to be a subway train conductor. I got serious at age 21. I began training with Mike Smith at Gleason’s Gym. Don Saxby later became my full-time trainer. We clicked. We had good chemistry in the gym. Don was always around. He pushed me to be better, and he never wanted to change my style. He just wanted to add some aggression.”
Real Combat Media: How has your training for your bout with Raphael Luna on DmitriySalita’s upcoming card at Millenium Theater been progressing?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “My training has been good. I’m training hard, with strength, conditioning and running.”
Real Combat Media: “Would you like to fight a 10 rounder?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “My next fight with Luna is my first six rounder. I appreciate the experience and the opportunity to show my ability and my skills.”
Real Combat Media: “What kind of work do you do when you are not boxing?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “I work full-time in medical billing. I train full-time. Right now I have been fighting at a catch weight of 142 to 145pounds. I train six days a week after work. “
Real Combat Media: “Who supervises your nutritional needs?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “I eat right. I have a sister who is real good at cooking healthy stuff. I also drink a lot of protein shakes and juices, and take a lot of vitamins.”
Real Combat Media: “Would you like to fight for the New York State title at 140 or 147 pounds?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “If the opportunity is presented to me, yes.”
Real Combat Media: “Have you done quality sparring in preparation for the Luna bout?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “For this (training camp), I’ve been sparring a lot. My sparring is good. I like sparring quality guys. Last weekend I sparring with contender Sechew Powell, and 6-0 middleweight Shawn Cameron. I spar a lot of heavier guys, 160 to 164 pound bigger guys who put on a lot of pressure, and throw a lot of punches.”
Real Combat Media: “How will you fight Raphael Luna next week?”
Mikkel Lespiere: “I’m gonna box! They don’t call me ‘Slick Mick’ for nothing. I’m gonna mix it up, and use my ring general ship and move! Boxing is called ‘The Sweet Science’.”
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