Q: How did you get into the boxing gym? How old were you when you got your first punch?
A: I grew up in Brighton Beach, and boxing was always around. My father took me to the gym when I was young because I had a lot of energy and needed discipline. Once I put the gloves on, I didn’t want to take them off. I had my first sanctioned fight when I was about 10 years old, and from then on, I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life.
Q: You had over 130 fights as a freshman and captured the New York Golden Gloves in the open 152 lb division. He turned professional at age 17 instead of fighting in the Olympics. Did you feel like you were better suited for professional boxing?
A: Yes, definitely. Beginners were fine, but my style was always more suited to professional levels. I like to sit down with my fists, go to the body, break guys. For those who are still learning, you can point people and walk around, but I always wanted to hurt guys and put on a show. Becoming a champion at the age of 19 just felt like the right move for me.
QUESTION: As a young kid, you played with the likes of fellow Brooklynite and former middleweight champion Danny Jacobs. What are some of the most important words you’ve shared in the ring while playing or fighting the uneducated?
A: Breaking up with Danny Jacobs was huge for me early on. That’s a world champion and a good boyfriend who gave me a hard job. I also shared rounds with many of the top guys from New York gyms, pros, and novices. When you’re in a gym in Brooklyn, you’re always around killers, so every sparring session feels like a real fight.
Q: The rookie Brooklyn stars you fought alongside – like WBC featherweight champion Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and IBF super lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins – grabbed the headlines today. How frustrating was it to sit on the sidelines while watching your neighbors take title belts?
A: Look, of course, you also want to be in that place. Those are my boys, and I’m proud of them, but at the same time, I know I belong right there with them. Boxing is a crazy business, and sometimes things outside the ring slow you down. But trust me, the hunger gets stronger when you watch everyone shine. My time is coming.
Question: For those who have never seen you fight, who would you compare or match your style to, past or present boxers?
A: I think I brought an old school flavor. I like the physical collision like the veterans did. Some people say I remind them of Roy Jones Jr. the way I attack the body, and I will take that as a huge compliment. But to be honest, I’m just trying to do my own style — that “White Chocolate” style.
Q: You seem to have a genuine passion for the sport of boxing despite boxing your reputation for over two decades. Would “No Boxing, No Life” be an accurate description of how you feel about the sport?
A: That’s exactly how I feel. Boxing gave me everything—discipline, purpose, and expression. When I’m not training, I’m thinking about coaching. When I’m not fighting, I’m thinking about fighting. For me, it’s not just a game, but a way of life.
Question: Have you ever worked a normal job, or was boxing your only job?
A: Boxing has always been my main focus. Ever since I was a kid, it was gym, school, gym again. When you start fighting young and chasing big dreams, you plan your whole life around you. I’ve always considered it a full-time job.
Q: What do you do in your time outside the ring?
A: I like to keep things simple. Spend time with family, hang out with friends, maybe watch fights, and learn a game. I am determined to recover again – stretching, sauna, things like that. And of course, I love being near the beach when I’m down in Florida.
Q: What’s the most versatile piece of music in your playlist right now when you’re working out at the gym?
A: It’s a mix. I would say mostly hip-hop and house music.
Q: You’re moving from snowy Brooklyn to the heat of South Florida to train at the BOXR Gym, where light heavyweight champion David Benavidez will train for his fight with Zurdo Ramirez. How do you like life in the 305?
A: I like it. The weather is amazing, the vibe is different, and there are a lot of serious fighters down there. Being around guys like David Benavidez and other hungry champions at BOXR Gym pushes you to the next level. It’s all about climbing.
Q: A video recently surfaced of you dropping a hard-fought decision to a Russian fighter named Yuri Osipov. At first I thought it was a technical fight because there was no headgear, but it was actually a five-round showdown. What happened that night, and what did you learn from that fight?
A: This fight remains the biggest challenge in my life. I didn’t have to take it, because it was only an exhibition game, but I agreed under difficult circumstances. I arrived in Russia four days before the war and became very ill. Even my coach, Andre Rozier, who I was traveling with, passed out in front of everyone during the weigh-in due to the same stressful situation.
Because of my illness and the weight loss needed to fight, I couldn’t hydrate properly, take medicine or eat enough food. Although my team advised me to withdraw, I chose to compete because of the financial incentive. Looking back, that decision was stupid.
Although the game is not based on my professional record, it has been a valuable learning experience. If I ever take a show again, I’ll make sure I’m well prepared and put my health first.
Q: Recently, you started training at BOXR Gym with New York trainer Milton LaCroix. Are there any new wrinkles to your game that you’ve been working on with Milton?
A: Milton is a genius. We’ve been working on strengthening everything — defense, angles, setting up my body shots even better. The power has always been there, but now it’s about being smart and perfect in the ring.
Q: These days, it seems that many fighters are content to engage in a snoozefest to secure a win and a payday, losing sight of the fact that this is an entertainment business. When you fight, it seems that being a cheerleader is part of “White Chocolate”. How important is it to make a fan show than to get an easy W?
A: It’s great. The fans spend their hard earned money to watch us fight. They deserve happiness. I want people on the edge of their seats every time I step into the ring. Knockouts and body shots — that’s what boxing is all about. When you look at white chocolate, you know you’re getting a plan.
Q: You have a lot of fans among the Russian fans in Brighton Beach. What does it mean to you to represent your hometown when you step into the ring?
A: It means everything. Brighton Beach raised me. That community supported me from the beginning. When I fight, I feel like I have all of Brooklyn and all those fans with me. That pride pushes me to do my best.
Q: Even though you moved south to train in Florida, Brooklyn is where your heart is. Anything you want to say to Brooklyn fans – anyone in particular you want to shout out to throw up?
A: Brooklyn, I appreciate all the love. Don’t worry, I’m working, and I’m coming back stronger than ever. And for anyone in the middleweight division who thinks they are safe… keep my name in mind. White Chocolate is coming, and if I get my picture, I’m bringing the belt back to Brooklyn!
