Black Diamond Mel Crossty Interview: Ohio Super Featherweight Prospect in Main Event
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
In a Real Combat Media interview exclusive, Mel ‘The Black Diamond’ Crossty, Cincinnati Ohio’s unbeaten super featherweight prospect, spoke about his main event fight coming up in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday evening, June 14, 2014, from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M.
Crossty, 5-0-1, will fight Antoine ‘The President’ Knight of Merrillville, Indiana, 3-7 with one knockout, in a six rounder. The fight will head Nate Tubbs and Barry Isaacs ‘Put Down The Gun and Pick Up The Gloves’ Professional Boxing Charity Match card. The Put Down The Guns and Pick Up The Gloves’ charity boxing event, which will be held at the Hope 4 Change building (the old National Armory), at 4100 Reading Road in Cincinnati, Ohio, features Nate Tubbs Events and Promotions teaming with co-promoter Barry Isaacs on Saturday, June 14, 2014, for a seven bout card. The United States Army is sponsoring the event, 30 percent of the proceeds of which will go towards re-launching the Nate Tubbs Group Home and Amateur Boxing Program in Cincinnati.
Real Combat Media: Mel, you have been in the gym for the past two years since beating Micah Branch. Why no fights in the past 24 months?”
Mel Crossty: “I got ready for eight (scheduled) fights, and I didn’t have one. I was in the gym, but I did not have a manager or promoter.”
Real Combat Media: “How did you get started in boxing?”
Mel Crossty: “I went to a boxing gym with a friend. I was nine years old. I liked it.”
Real Combat Media: “You are fighting next on a Nate Tubbs card.”
Mel Crossty: “Nate is helping me. I would like to fight on a schedule of fights to keep me busy (fighting). I willing to relocate (for the right opportunity).”
Real Combat Media: “Mel, will you stay fighting at 130 pounds?”
Mel Crossty: “I will eventually go up to 135 pounds lightweight.”
Real Combat Media: “What are your goals in boxing?”
Mel Crossty: “I want to become a world champion. That’s my ultimate goal. Eventually I would like to raise and coach some kids (as trainer to become) to world champion.”
Real Combat Media: “you fought several times on cards featuring Andre Ward?”
Mel Crossty: “I fought on three Dan Goosen cards under (on the undercard to) Andre Ward, but Dan Goosen did not sign me.”
Real Combat Media: “How do you balance your personal life?”
Mel Crossty: “I’m in a relationship, and I have five kids, three boys and two girls, at home in Cincinnati. I like listening to music, and I like writing. I also want to become a Real Estate agent.”
Real Combat Media: “You have not fought in the past two years due to lack of a manager, but you have remained in the gym.”
Mel Crossty: “More than that. I have been to camp as a sparring partner for Adrien Broner and Adrian Granados.”
Real Combat Media: “Fight fans call you ‘The Black Diamond.”
Mel Crossty: “I’m a fighter! My training (this time around) is different. I have a trainer, Brandon Bush. I have an assistant trainer, Gary McNear; and I have a strength and conditioning coach, Rashad McClendon. We are doing a lot of different things in training, including working on balance and punching power.”
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