Kimbo Slice has only been known previously for his cult following of bare-knuckle brawling on the internet. A skeptical reporter asked Kimbo in New York at the 40/40 club why he feels worthy to step in the ring with the former Olympic and Heavy Weight Champion, Ray Mercer. Kimbo replied saying how this fight would not be a traditional boxing match, where an opponent like Mercer would have a huge advantage, but he would have a great chance in a cage match more suited to his fighting style.
Sitting ringside with the rest of the press, I met a man who seemed to know everyone in the building. I started chatting with the man and it turns out that he trains many of the fighters and is a dear friend to Ray Mercer. Speaking with him, he was 100% confident that Mercer would make quick work of Kimbo. There wasn’t a question in his mind. He referenced the small size of the ring to Mercers advantage where an opponent wouldn’t have anywhere to run to. He also mentioned that punch for punch, there was no chance in hell that an amateur fighter would be able to last more than a minute with Ray in the ring.
The anticipation built up for this match was like none other. Minutes before either of the fighters came out, the crowd was buzzing with energy and everyone in Atlantic City was on their feet eagerly awaiting the main event! Making his way to the ring, Ray looked like a man on a mission brimming with confidence to regain his once great name in sports entertainment. Kimbo’s entrance to the ring was epic; his demeanor was all business and the soundtrack to this arrival played to the crowd with the song “this is why I’m hot”. The entrance was reminiscent of Mike Tyson in his ear-biting glory days when he came out to an intimidating DMX song to face Holyfield.
Throughout the night every CFFC match was won by the fighter that was more technically sound. This match would not be any different. The match would only last a little more than a minute. The bell rang and each man went punch for punch in a heated fury. Kimbo’s energy and momentum carried them both into the side of the cage where he soon after picked Mercer up and dropped him to the mat. Mercer looked stunned when Kimbo went for his legs to get him off his feet. Once the fight went to the floor it was basically over. Kimbo then unleashed a plethora of blows to Mercer’s head and body. Mercer managed to get back to his feet momentarily, but was in no condition to gain back momentum in the fight. Seconds later after Kimbo would get Mercer to the floor again, put him in a headlock and force him to tap out.
From the start is seemed like Mercer wanted to just go punch for punch and see which man would be left standing. Kimbo had other thoughts. Kimbo utilized the rules of cage fighting to his advantage taking away the punching ability of the great boxer that Mercer is. After the fight was over Mercer quickly exited the ring. Kimbo and his adrenaline stayed for the party after where he would perch himself on the top of the ring and thank his loyal fans.
Kimbo Nation is the real deal! Twenty minutes after the fight had finished, fans stayed around chanting his name in unison, “Kimbo, Kimbo, Kimbo, Kimbo!” His fans love everything about him. He is a man that will take on any fight any time. He is now a true peoples champ and looks to keep on swinging to the top. A star has been born. America, meet Kimbo Slice.

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Characterized as an underground street fighter, Slice will be taking on former Heavyweight Champion Ray Mercer on June 23rd at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City in an MMA Cage Match. In an exclusive interview with touchgloves.com Slice talks about his upcoming fight, his training and more.
Kimbo, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. How did you get started in the backyard-style street fights we’ve been seeing over the Internet?
The backyard was just a location that was picked. It was a personal beef between the guy and myself. It was a location that was picked and it started the whole backyard theme.
Do you have any formal training in boxing or mixed martial arts?
No, no I don’t. I’ve had a lot of fights on the ground. You know, a fight is a fight, you are as good as you are.

A lot of the videos show you having a boxing style. With the upcoming fight against Ray Mercer in a Cage under the rules of the New Jersey Athletic Board, are you now looking to change your style towards MMA?

I’m gonna bang it out, he wants to bang, we are gonna bang.

Have you ever considered Professional boxing?
Considered it. I’ve thought about it. But MMA is the next wave, its the new era. If anything I’ll stick with MMA. I wouldn’t box because its [MMA] is closer to the real thing. If I can do the real thing, its better.

Sounds like fighting Ray Mercer is not a one-time deal and you will continue to fight in MMA in the future.
I love fighting. I will do whatever I have to do as far as training, and getting myself to that level so that I could continue and look at it as a career. This will not be my only fight.

What are your thoughts on Ray Mercer and have you watched his past fights?
I mean, you know, he’s fighting. I would never disrespect anybody or underestimate anyone. I have respect for everyone as a fighter. Especially as a professional, he’s a professional boxer. I give him all the respect in the world as a fighter. When two men get in the ring, the best man is gonna walk out of there. The better man is going to win. I have all the respect in the world for every fighter. NOTE: There was a replay of Mercer against Evander Holyfield during this interview.

Have you started training? Are you doing anything different now?
I am training. Nothing different. I stay in shape all the time, because I never know when a fight is going to come up. I’m not changing my routine.

Should we expect to see more of the video series we’ve seen on the Internet?
Yeah, there’s about 10 more [fights].

What has been the driving force behind your fights and influenced you to fight?
I’m fighting to get paid, take care of my family and myself. Yeah, I love to fight. I’ll bang it out with anybody, but at the same time, if the purse is good, damn right, I’m there.

You’ve attracted a lot of attention and a lot of fans around the world. Why do you think they are drawn to you.
The reality part of it. I’m a real dude. You’ll see me around, holding my kid, you’ll see me at the mall. I’m not a fake dude. I’m a real life dude. I’m just like the average guy out there except that I have no fear that I’ll bang it out with anybody, I don’t care who that guy is. With all due respect to fighters. That’s what makes me different and my fans around the world, I’m sure they love that. I’ll see you and say whats up to you and we can get together and share a burger or a soda. It’s real life stuff you know.

Do you have a prediction on June 23rd against Ray Mercer?
I’m gonna get in there and do my best. I’m gonna give 110%. I’m not gonna sit down, I’m ready to bang it out you know.

Anything you want to say to your fans?
Stay tuned. After the fight, catch me “in the VIP”, and stay with it. Keep me in mind and keep me in your prayers.

Update 6/26/2007: New Kimbo Interview Post Mercer Fight
Update 6/23/2007: Kimbo Slice Destroys Ray Mercer in 1st Round
Update 3/30/2007: Ray Mercer Responds to Kimbo Slice
you can contact the author at rmaiker@touchgloves.com

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