8CN Prospect Watch: Joseph Elegele

Amateur standout Joseph Elegele talked to 8countnews earlier this week, while preparing for a fight Friday night at the Ala Carte Pavilion in Tampa, FL presented by TKO Promotions and Fight Night Productions. Since turning pro in November, the welterweight prospect has a perfect record of 3-0 with two first round knockouts. Friday night will be Elegele’s 4th fight in 4 months.


8CN: Hey Joseph, how are you doing?

Elegele: I’m doing good Aaron.

8CN: How is training camp going?

Elegele: Camp is going good. I feel very strong and great. I have been in Winter Haven training with Tony Morgan who trains Andre Berto. I have been staying busy in the gym and fighting pretty regularly. I just fought a couple weeks ago up in Connecticut too so I have kept in good shape.

8CN: Did you get any sparring in with [Andre] Berto?

Elegele: No I haven’t. The last time I sparred with Berto was when he was preparing for the Collazo fight.

8CN: You have been very active since turning pro fighting on a monthly basis. Do you plan on continuing that pace in 2010?

Elegele: Yes sir, I want to keep them moving along. This is going to be a big year for me. I have a fight scheduled next week too in Georgia, right after this fight. Whenever I can get in the ring I will.

8CN: Do you know anything about your opponent Friday night?

Elegele: No, I don’t know anything about him. All I know is I got to perform. I just go out there and do my thing and take care of business.

8CN: Being a Florida guy, and this being your first fight in the state since you have turned pro, is there any extra pressure to perform in front of your friends and family?

Elegele: Not really. It is nice that I got my family and my friends there but I got to take care of business regardless where the fight is at. I am more anxious to fight now.

8CN: Before we get too far, tell us a little bit about your amateur background. I know that you were a Golden Glove runner up.

Elegele: Well they say runner up, but I felt like I won at nationals you know. But it is what it is, you know politics and stuff. My record was 69-8. I fought a lot of top guys and at many national tournaments. My style is better fit though for the pro style than the amateur style.

8CN: What is the best advice you have received in boxing?

Elegele: Just stay focused and keep your feet on the ground. Do what you got to do to make it to the top.

8CN: Being a prospect in the welterweight division, what are your thoughts about the upcoming Mosley-Mayweather and Pacquiao- Clottey fights?

Elegele: I think Mayweather is going to win against Mosley and I like Clottey but I think Pacquiao beats him.

8CN:Any final word for the boxing fans out there?

Elegele: I just want everyone to know I am coming up and check me out.