One on One with the Champ

One on One with the UCA Jr Welterweight Champion Shant Sheklanian – Madera Police Department

It has been said once you become a champion you become a better fighter. Do you feel you are a better fighter physically or mentally now that you are a champion?

I believe in my abilities with or without a belt. There is certainly something to be said about the confidence having a title brings to a fighter. I try not to dwell on that however. I only focus on the fight and what needs to be done to win.

Do you feel that you have to workout & train even harder now that you are the champion and everyone is gunning for you?.

No. I don’t have to train any differently. I train extremely hard and always put in 100% in training camp. I do what is necessary. I don’t take short cuts and I take this sport very seriously. Anyone that doesn’t is a fool. You don’t play boxing. I am a confident person and a confident champion. This confidence is not derived from the belt around my waist but by the blood and sweat I leave in the ring during training camp. I train out of the Thrive training center in Fresno with renowned trainers Bryan Williams and Trinidad Valdez. I am very fortunate to have these men in my corner. Being in this gym I have access to top undefeated professional boxers who I look to for guidance in our chosen sport. I am also very thankful to Robert Minerva for all the help he gives me in preparing me for my fights and inspiring me to be my best. Without these men, I would not be the champion of my division. All three have taken me to the top and I know they are willing to make me do whatever is necessary to stay on top.

 If you could call anyone out to test your skills against who would it be?

The person I want to fight in my next fight is the UCA # 1 ranked junior welterweight, Larry Cervantes, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept.