Darmani Rock: “All heavyweights hit hard, but you don’t run into a lot of heavyweights with speed, and I have speed!”

Darmani Rock is an undefeated heavyweight contender promoted by Roc Nation Sports. Rock’s record currently stands at 7-0 (5KOs) and he is coming off a 5th round KO in his last bout. Rock hopes to rise up the heavyweight ranks in 2017 and show himself to be one of the best prospects in the weight class.

In my interview with Darmani Rock I ask him how he got started in the sport and about how his amateur career shaped him as a fighter. Darmani also talks about the last time he was in the ring and gives his view on where he sees himself in the division. Additionally, Rock speaks on his skill set as a fight and what he thinks makes him different from most of the other heavyweights. Here is what Darmani Rock had to say.

Robert Brown: Can you give us some background on how you got started in boxing?

Darmani Rock: I was just trying sports, I tried basketball, football, swimming and my pop just told me, “Try boxing, I want you to try boxing.” I tried it and I didn’t like it, but I stayed in the gym and then I just fell in love with it out of nowhere.

Robert Brown: How have your amateur boxing skills helped you transition into the pro game?

Darmani Rock: Experience, fighting all over the world. Fighting in different countries against different styles, that helped me a lot in the pros because I got a lot of experience. I don’t have a lot of pro experience but I got a lot of amateur experience.

Robert Brown: You had a good win over Solomon Maye, how do you feel about your performance in that fight?

Darmani Rock: I really liked my performance, it was my first time going six rounds. I was just going in there pacing myself and I really liked my performance. I liked the outcome and I’m glad I went five rounds and then knocked him out. I wanted to show off my stamina, so I’m glad it went like that.

Robert Brown: How soon would you like to get back into the ring and what sort of opponent would you be looking to face next?

Darmani Rock: That’s all up to Roc Nation and my dad. Sooner or later I’m going to get back in the ring.

Robert Brown: What do you think of the depth of the heavyweight division? Do you feel it’s making a comeback?

Darmani Rock: Yeah, it’s making a bit of a comeback. I’ll be out there soon, I’m not rushing it or anything, I’m taking every step possible and I’ll be there soon.

Robert Brown: Would you like to face a former champion or top contenders by the end of 2017?

Darmani Rock: If the time comes and I’m ready, then I’ll go ahead and make it happen. Like I said, I’m not rushing it, this sport is dangerous, you can’t just rush yourself at all. You have to take your time.

Robert Brown: You’ve said that by the end of your career you’d like to be better than Muhammad Ali. Do you think that’s possible?

Darmani Rock: Yes I believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Robert Brown: Do you have any specific goals for the end of this year?

Darmani Rock: No, just to stay on top, stay smart and do my thing like I’ve been doing. I want this year to be better than last year.

Robert Brown: Do you think your mobility will give you an advantage over a lot of heavyweights out there?

Darmani Rock: Yes it could. You don’t run into a lot of heavyweights with speed. All heavyweights hit hard, but you don’t run into a lot of heavyweights with speed, and I have speed. Speed kills, so I think I have an advantage.

Follow Darmani Rock on Instagram an Twitter @Darmani_Rock