Boxing - INTERVIEW WITH NABC/MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION KENNY CRAVEN

INTERVIEW WITH NABC/MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION KENNY CRAVEN

Kenny Craven and I met in the parking lot at a library in Brandon Mississippi. The problem with doing this interview at a library on Presidents day is that the Library was closed. So, we decided to take the short drive down HWY 80 to the Pearl Mississippi Boxing Club and do the interview there. Kenny Craven, a native of Ellisville Mississippi has been in the fight game for a long time.

Kenny Craven and I met in the parking lot at a library in Brandon Mississippi. The problem with doing this interview at a library on Presidents day is that the Library was closed. So, we decided to take the short drive down HWY 80 to the Pearl Mississippi Boxing Club and do the interview there. Kenny Craven, a native of Ellisville Mississippi has been in the fight game for a long time. He has fought some big name fighters as well. Michael Nunn comes to mind, and a few others. Craven has a real passion for the sport of boxing, and when you read this interview, you will see what I mean. We talked about his recent Championship, and his love for the sport. This is what he had to say....

BC- Kenny, what is the latest with you?

KC- I have been busy, busy with boxing, busy with life in general.

BC- Kenny, you had a fight on February 13th, 2004. Talk about the fight.

KC- Yeah, I fought a guy named Elvin Evans for the NABC Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. I fought in my hometown, I haven't fought in my hometown in 4 years. It was an 8 fight card, one fell out.. I fought for the NABC Intercontinental Title.. I fought Elvin Evans.. he has been around for a long time. He has sparred with Tyson, Tucker, Page.. He fought some good guys as well.. He fought Michael Grant as well. I thought it would be a good test for me. It was a 12 round fight, I was fortunate enough to catch him, and get him out of there.

BC- Ok so you won the NABC Heavyweight Championship. What's next for you?

KC- I am fighting March 6th.. on a Brian Young Production/Prize Fight Production. I think against a guy name Marvin Hunt. The fight is going to be in Tunica Mississippi at Sam's Town Casino. I am an unattached fighter at this point. I am working with a group of local business guys, and an attorney called MC Squared, Promotions, and with a great trainer named David McNeil. I told a local reporter that I will fight a guy in Iraq if the process was right. I will fight a guy in Kabul for free for the troops. If there is a guy out there who wants to fight in Iraq, I will do it, and do it for free for our troops.

BC- You have fought some big names in your career. Michael Nunn comes to mind first. Talk about that....

KC- Yeah, back when I fought Michael Nunn I didn't even have a trainer. I had a good time fighting him though. The fight went 6 rounds but I think I could have gone longer. My corner threw in the towel that night, but I wish they wouldn't have. During the fight I kept whispering in Michael's ear that I thought he hit like a girl. I was getting hit a lot in the fight, my corner guy Jimbo Stevenson decided to throw in the towel, and Elmo Adolph stopped the fight. After the fight, Michael Nunn came up to me and told me I was one tough guy! The Kenny Craven now would destroy a Michael Nunn.. Michael Nunn is in prison now, and I hate that. He is a well spoken man, and a good guy. Back when I fought Nunn, I was only working out 2 or 3 times a week. Now I am working out 3 times a day, with a great trainer in David McNeil.

BC- So at this point you feel you have recommitted yourself to boxing?

KC- Oh yeah, ....well, I have never really committed myself to boxing up to this point. Boxing to me was just a hobby back then. I dont drink, I dont smoke, I dont run with the fellas, so boxing was my release. Now I have a great trainer in David McNeil, I have a regiment, and a new dedication to the sport. I now have the opportunity to devote my time to boxing. I have used the past 6 years fighing these club fights, even the fights that I have lost for my gain. I have learned quick with my new trainer, and have become 10 times better than I have ever been.

BC- So what kind of style to you bring into the ring?

KC- I am a boxer.. I mean I have 20 knockouts in 23 fights, I can punch, but I am not a guy that throws a caution to the wind punch. I used to be that way, but that got me in trouble. Now I like to counter, and look for things. Elvin Evans didn't come right at me, I think that is why the fight went 6 rounds... I had to chase him down.

BC- What advice would you give an amatuer fighter that is about to take the step up into the professional level?

KC- (laughing) Stay in the amateurs as long as you can... Look, the managers, promoters, and trainers can be the worst ones. Don't ever sign a contract with someone that pays them 33 and one third of your money. If they are feeding you, paying your bills, and clothing you.. maybe. But only if they are doing something like that for you. You have to find someone that has your best interest at heart. Don't speak for yourself, find someone that truly has your best interest at heart. A young fighter usually has an ego, and an ego can get you hurt in this game. An ego will put blinders on you, and you will accept just about any fight a person throws at you. This is why it is important to let someone else talk for you, but only someone that you trust. I had 3 amatuer fights.. that's it... the pro level is not sympathetic.

BC- Kenny Lennox Lewis has retired... who is the best out there now?

KC- I have always been an Evander Holyfield fan. But, Evander should stop... not because people like Bert Sugar, and John McCain say so. They aren't fighters.. I am a fighter, so I know how addictive boxing can be. I am saying to Evander that he should stop from the standpoint that I hate seeing him lose. Chris Bryd is my Heavyweight Champion.. 214-218 lbs..he isn't going to knock you out.. he's not a big puncher.. but he is a great fighter.. I would hate to fight Chris Byrd.. he would make me look stupid.. (laughing)

BC- Kenny, where do you want to see your career at this time next year?

KC- I just want to get better.. I am a young 32 years old.. I want be at a level to be able to compete with a Chris Byrd. I want to make smart decisions, and smart moves with my career. I am not going tell you "Brad, I will be the undisputed Heavyweight Champ next year" that wouldn't be too realistic. Can lighting strike? yeah I think so.. If John Ruiz can be Heavyweight Champ, I guess anyone can.

BC- Lastly, Kenny who are your role models in life?

KC- Me and my dad are not very alike. But, with that said, there are a lot of things about my dad that I have modeled myself after. My parents are great parents... they have been very supportive of my career. Also, my wife Laura is my biggest supporter. How she puts up with my schedule, with my career is amazing. Putting the kids to bed, and taking care of the kids while I am gone is great. My daughter Carly is 8, my Daughter Cree is 6, my third daughter is named Caiya she is 4, and my son's name is Champ he is 3. My family is everything to me.

BC- Kenny, thanks for taking the time to speak with me.

KC- Thank you.
Interview By Brad Cooney 2/16/2004

Email Brad Cooney bradcooney1@bellsouth.net

www.cooneyentertainment.com

**Special thanks to Shawn Wansley of the Laurel Leader Call for getting me in contact with Kenny Craven