When I go into a boxing ring, I’m willing to die.
I got into boxing because I wanted to fight Tyson.
But boxing was my profession. I had to go back the second time because I was broke and I couldn’t just go and get a college degree and earn it. I had too many bills, too many families.
Boxing is one of the very few things left in life that you know who you are as soon as you step into the ring.
My grades started dropping, and when I sleep all day and come to the gym I’d have a slow day. I needed rules, I guess, in boxing and to just help me, period.
I started boxing because of my brother. And then I came to admire the all-time greats, like Roberto Duran and Muhammad Ali. I’d say I admired Ali more than any fighter in my life.
I think Marriaga is a very good opponent for me. It’s very hard when you have to find the keys to his defense. If people don’t understand boxing, they don’t know what he’s capable to do. I understand it all.
I love playing for Ireland, and I love soccer, but when it comes down to it, I would choose boxing as my number one sport, as I’d miss it too much if I wasn’t involved.
Nick Diaz is a guy who walks forward, has great boxing skills.
