Tyrone Brunson;
"I want to show the world I'm ready"
INTERVIEW by Anthony Santiago (June 15, 2007)

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Young Otto had fifteen consecutive first round knockouts. WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero broke and currently holds that record with eighteen. Move up a couple of weight classes, and you'll find Tyrone Brunson. As a 22-year old middleweight, he's determined to take the boxing world by storm. He's on course to be the newest world record holder for consecutive first round knockouts, and with a 18-0 (18) ledger he looks on track get it.

When I got the call from Brunson he told me he had tied the world record for the most consecutive first round knockouts after his first round stoppage of Jamie Waru on June 8. At first I was quick to judge his record by the lack of opposition. Then I realized I am a fan of Edwin Valero and how he was the same way at first before stepping up and I had judged too soon. The same thing applies for Julio Cesar Chavez. He fought weak opposition early on before stepping up and being successful. Hopefully Brunson could be the same way. Like I said, he called me after his first round destruction of Jamie Waru and this is what he had to say.

AS: What's going on Tyrone, how is everything?

TB: Everything good, everything's good.

AS: People don't know too much about you. Tell me how you got into boxing and what the sport means to you.

TB: I got into boxing through my stepdad. He got me stay off the streets and got in the gym. I just grew to like and love it. I've been fighting for eleven years, I've been doing my thing and making history.

AS: How did you do in the amateur ranks and what was your record?

TB: My record was 82-12, I had a bunch of knockouts. I was 14 knocking out grown men. I've won a couple titles, and won bronze and silver medals.

AS: Man, eighteen wins. Eighteen first round knockouts, all in a row. You've definitely got some punching power. What is it like being undefeated with a record like the one you have?

TB: I mean, it's a lot of pressure now that it's down to the last fight to break the record. Everyone thinks I might not do it, I know I can. My last opponent, Jamie Waru, a veteran, came to fight and almost broke the streak. He was very tough and I almost didn't get the first round knockout. I take my hat off to him.

AS: This is just between you and me. Do you put bricks in your gloves before a fight? (Laughs)

TB: (Laughs) Nah man.

AS: Your record shows you’re in the hunt for the world record of first round knockouts. You've now tied Edwin Valero with eighteen. Are you trying to break the record, or do the knockouts come more naturally?

TB: I'm looking to break the record right now and after, my game plan is to step up and fight contenders with 50-50 and 70-30 records, hopefully get a fight on HBO, ESPN and ShoBox. I want to show the world I'm ready.

AS: Do you have any trouble making the 160-pound weight class?

TB: No, I want to let everyone know, I'm not a middleweight. After I break the record, I'm moving to junior middleweight and I'm going to start making some noise. After the 19th knockout, 154 pounds is where I'm headed. I'm going to break the record and jump back down.

AS: What are your career aspirations?

TB: I wish I'm successful, and I want to become a world champion, and get out of boxing safely. I will continue to train hard and do what I gotta do. I'm going to show the world that Tyrone Brunson isn't a one hit wonder. I PROMISE I will be a world champion.

AS: You've fought i New Zealand a lot lately. Any reason behind that?

TB: We just wanted to move around countries and fight in different places. No reason really. I wanted the experience of fighting in different environments.

AS: At this stage of your development, do you feel ready to step up from the prospect level to contender status?

TB: I'm ranked #14 by the NABO. I'm young, 22 years old. When the time is right, we'll step up. It's about getting in some rounds, gaining experience and about learning. We just want to build up and get experience right now.

AS: How's your training camp going?

TB: My camp is one of the best. It's been really great. If people think I'm a fake, they better check again. I was in camp with Kermit Cintron, Kassim Ouma, Randy Griffin, Willie Gibbs, David Reid, Malik Scott and so many others. I will prove to the world I am the real deal. I will be a world champion.

AS: I learned you were signed with Lion Heart Promotions. Didn't you try and sign with another promotional outfit?

TB: I am not with Lion Heart Promotions. I just want to let everyone know right now, that I am open for promotion.

AS: You can only improve from here, and it's going to be good to see you step up in competition. Who would you like to fight as you move up in rank?

TB: I wanna get in and fight a couple six rounders to get used to getting hit first, then progress. I would like to fight Yory Boy Campas, or Teddy Reid, or anyone. Anyone who want it, they can contact me and we can do it as long as the money is right.

AS: Alright man, it's been good talking with you. You have anything to say in closing?

TB: Yes. I wanna tell everyone, watch out, I'm coming. I want to thank you and Doghouse Boxing for interviewing me. I ain't gonna let anyone down.

AS: Thanks a lot Tyrone. You can call me whenever you get updated on an upcoming fight or anything.

TB: No problem man, thank you.