Q & A – With the Champ Brian Stevens

On Friday September 26, 2014 the LA Battle of the Badges will be headlined by two of  the best fighters in the state when they battle it out for  the UCA Cruiserweight State Championship. Brian Stevens,  LASD, the reigning and defending Champion will put his title on the line and test his skills against #1 ranked, Travon Taylor, (10-1) Orange County  Sheriff’s Office.  The UCA caught up with the  Cruiserweight Champion to ask him a few questions about his  upcoming fight.

UCA – How is training going at Henry Tillman’s Boxing Gym?

BS – Training has been great! Tillman’s gym is filled with talented pro fighters. Training alongside those guys every day is going to take me to another level.

UCA – Have you had the opportunity to spar or train beside any top pros or top  amateurs at the gym?

BS –Yes. There is more access to quality sparring that we’ve ever had.

UCA – You will be defending your title against another #1 ranked fighter. Do you feel this  will be your toughest challenge?

BS –I always prepare as if I am the underdog. From what I have seen, he looks to be a very experienced and talented boxer, so he should be my toughest opponent yet.

UCA – Are you preparing for a tough grinding fight?

BS –We just focus on working hard and getting better every day. I condition myself to grind if need be, but I prepare to make the fight easier than the training.

UCA – Do you feel you have the style to beat Taylor?

BS –Yes.

UCA – Are you sparring with guys similar to Taylor’s style and stature? 

BS -Yes.

UCA – Do you feel Taylor brings something to the ring that you have never dealt with before?

BS –I think it is going to be more of a true boxing match than I have had in the past. He likes to counter punch and box. I think that our styles should make for a good show.

UCA – Is your training camp more intense compared to your other training camps?

BS –Yes. I am always pushing to work harder, learn more, and get better. I know I have my toughest challenge ahead of me so I am going to have to bring it!

UCA – Are you working on anything specific in training camp to prepare for your fight  with Taylor?

BS –Not really. We just work to get better and do what we do best. Hopefully he will be the one who needs to adjust.

UCA – Do you feel you have any advantages over Taylor?

BS -Like I say, I like to think of myself as the underdog, but I always know I have the best trainer.

UCA – Is there anything that worries you about Taylor?

BS –No.

UCA – Do you feel the fight will be a back and forth battle where you are both tested?

BS –Definitely.

UCA – If the fight is close going into the 3rd round will you come hard and push the pace to win the round?

BS -I always try to push harder than I am being pushed. I want to win every round.

UCA – Will you have to put on the best performance of your career to keep your title?

BS –I believe so.

UCA – How do you see the fight ending?

BS – And still…