Undefeated super middleweight contender, Junior Younan, is rising up the ranks and has his eyes set on a world title. ‘The Young God’ fights out of New York and will be getting his first shot at a belt when he fights Ronald Ellis for the vacant USBA Super Middleweight Title Feb 2nd. Younan has been receiving acclaim since he was ten years of age and has also been mentored by former world champion titleholder, Paulie Malignaggi.
In my interview with Junior Younan, I discuss with him his upcoming fight against Ronald Ellis. He talks about the strengths of Ellis and if he thinks he can score a knockout. Younan also gives his thoughts on the super middleweight division and some of the fights he would like to have. Additionally, Junior speaks on a potential Pacquiao-McGregor fight and gives his views on Wilder vs. Joshua. Here is what Junior Younan had to say.
Robert Brown: You have a fight coming up against undefeated contender Ronald Ellis, how do you feel about the fight coming up and your preparation?
Junior Younan: This has been my best camp and it’s because I’m in perfect physical and mental shape. Although I won my last fight, I was disappointed in my performance and felt I could’ve put on a better showing. After reflecting on the fight during a recent vacation, I came back with a different mentality and re-dedicated myself to the grind.
Robert Brown: What strengths does Ronald Ellis have that you need to watch out for and what weaknesses does Ronald Ellis have that you can exploit?
Junior Younan: I’m actually familiar with Ellis’ style because we sparred about a year ago when he was prepping for a fight and I was returning from a period of inactivity. To be honest, I didn’t think much of him then and I don’t think much of him now. I know he’ll come into this fight in terrific shape, but I plan to pick him apart.
Robert Brown: Do you believe you can knock Ronald Ellis out or do you think it will go 12 rounds?
Junior Younan: I’m not actively looking for a knockout, but if it comes, it comes. I know I can knock him out, but I’m just focusing on putting together a dominant performance, representing Roc Nation well on this ShoBox card and giving fans their money’s worth.
Robert Brown: The Super Middleweight Division is chock full of talent what are some of the fights you would like to see or are looking forward to seeing in the Super Middleweight Division?
Junior Younan: David Benavidez against Gilberto Ramirez would be a great fight to see.
Robert Brown: Assuming you get past Ronald Ellis, who would you like to face next?
Junior Younan: I’m not looking that far ahead yet. After this fight, I’ll just want to focus on resting my body first and foremost. But my team at Roc Nation and I will figure out next steps as it comes.
Robert Brown: Do you think that everyone will now be gunning for Caleb Truax’s belt because they see him as the weak link in the division?
Junior Younan: I’m gunning for him, so that’s all that matters to me. This fight against Ellis will be for the USBA Super Middleweight belt and, since it’s the junior belt for the IBF, I’ll soon be in line for a shot at Truax.
Robert Brown: There are strong rumors of a possible fight between Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor, what are your thoughts on that possible fight and who do think would win?
Junior Younan: If that ever happens, I think Manny Pacquiao would knock McGregor out. Realistically, I don’t think McGregor could keep up with Manny’s pace.
Robert Brown: Who do you believe won the first fight between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez and can I have your thoughts and prediction for the rematch?
Junior Younan: I thought it was a very close fight and I thought the decision was right – it should’ve been a draw. I’m a Canelo fan, so it’s hard not to go for him whenever a rematch takes place.
Robert Brown: Can I have your thoughts and prediction for a possible mega bout later this year between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder?
Junior Younan: It would be a great fight and I believe Deontay would be a little too much for Joshua. I think Deontay is too aggressive and I think that willll throw Joshua off, especially since Joshua isn’t the quickest starter. For a heavyweight, he tries to be too clean. He boxes like a smaller guy and I don’t think that’s the right game plan for somebody of Deontay’s caliber.
Robert Brown: What position do you hope to be in by the end of 2018?
Junior Younan: I’m looking to make a title run in 2018 and this fight is just the first step in achieving my professional goal. A personal goal for 2018 is to use my platform to inspire kids in the greater Brooklyn area to reach their dreams and, ahead of my fight, I’m actually visiting Madison Square Boys & Girls Club’s Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse to discuss the importance of goal-setting and self-discipline.
Robert Brown: What are your thoughts on the current Super Middleweight tournament? Do you think the tournament is good for your division? Who would you favor to win?
Junior Younan: I think it’s great for the division and I really think Chris Eubank Jr has a great story, especially since his father is a legend. Chris Eubank Jr brings a lot of spunk to the sport, works hard and comes prepared.
highly touted prospect looking forward to this fight
They may think the landscape is open now Truax has a belt but underestimate him at your peril
Truax is underrated, i think he beats degale and smashes this guy.