13thround: First off lets talk about your exciting win over Dallas Vargas Did you expect to win that bout so quickly?

Jean Paul: No, I did not expect to win so quickly but as soon as I got the opportunity, I sped up the fighting.   When I touched him in the liver and then on the chin, I just kept putting the pressure on until the referee rung the end of the fight.

13thround: This was your first pro fight in Las Vegas, and on Showtime. Did you feel any extra pressure to put on a good showing for the US fight fans?

Jean Paul: No, Not at all.  On the contrary, this pressure encouraged me and I was looking forward to prove my capacity and show the quality of my boxing.

13thround: Your next opponent is Henry Buchanan. He has only 14 pro fights, do you expect him to be a tough fight?

Jean Paul: It will be a tough fight anyway.  It will mainly depend on our shape and on the pressure during the semi-finales.

13thround: Can you describe any differences as to fighting in France compared to the US?

Jean Paul: The difference is that boxing in the US is well respected by the people and the media.  The US media takes boxing much more seriously than the French media. The biggest problem in France is that pro boxing is non-existent. The real champions are not recognized and encouraged. In the US, boxing organizations are considerably more competent than the French organizations concerning the fighters follow up. There is no doubt that the US is the country for boxing and today the fact that my American fans have shown me their love proves it.

13thround: For our fans that don't know of you yet, can you describe a little bit how you got involved with boxing and what are some of your future goals in the sport?

Jean Paul: I was very young when I started boxing.  I started by playing soccer and realized my rage for competition.   I learned a lot playing in a group sport, but I realized that competing for my self was a little more in my nature.  I truly realized my abilities and wanted to go further, so I chose boxing.

13thround: Are there any particular fighters that you would like to fight in the future?

Jean Paul: Yes, I would love to fight Bernard Hopkins, but I am open to any challenge.

13thround: Who are some of your all time favorite fighters?

Jean Paul: There are so many but Terris Norris is the one who impressed me the most.

13thround: What are some of your hobbies outside of the sport of boxing?

Jean Paul: Actually, I work very hard to reach my goals, boxing is my life and hobby.

13thround: In your own opinion who is the top fighter in your division right now, and why?

Jean Paul: Defintely, Joe Calzague. In my own opinion, he is the only champion who dares to fight against American and European fighters.

13thround: Do you have any closing remarks for your fans out here in the US?

Jean Paul: I love them and I deeply appreciate their support.  I hope they will keep supporting me whether I win or I lose.  I also want to thank my promoter Round One Entertainment.

Editor's Note: 13th Round would like to thank Gabriel Gaide / Round 1 Entertainment for setting up this interview with the future "world champion" Jean Paul Mendy

Next Fight: October 6, 2006 against Henry Buchanan

For information on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and “ShoBox: The New Generation” telecasts, including complete fighter bios and records, related stories and more, please go to the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing

 

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