Former #1 heavyweight contender “Big” Michael Grant (27-1, 20 KOs) weighed in at 257 lbs for his battle with Kevin “Big Man” Burnett (13-3-1, 8 KOs) tomorrow night at Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.
Grant vs. Burnett is the main supporting bout on X-Cel Worldwide (in association with Bang Productions) “Hassle at the Castle” boxing benefit show. The main event is a USBA Light Heavyweight Championship showdown between former world champion Byron Mitchell and reality TV star Otis Griffin..
Despite being out of the ring for over a year, Grant says he’s remained in the gym and has been working hard with new trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. The 6′ 7″ giant says now that he’s gained the much-needed experience he once lacked, his mission is to attain another shot at the world title.
Michael, how did your training for this fight go? Is your timing a little off from the inactivity?
I feel good. My timing is good because I was always in the gym. The ring is the easy part of the work. If you stay in the gym, you will be alright. I have another fight June 19 in New York, but the overall plan is to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. It’s not about money right now; it’s about positioning myself to become heavyweight champion.
How has training with Eddie Mustafa Muhammad been?
Working with Eddie has been going very well. I’m 17 years in the game, so there’s not much teaching going on. It’s more about remembering. He helps me remember things I used to do. When you’ve trained and been in the sport so long it’s all about memory.
You’ve sorted out some promotional problems. How is working with X-Cel Worldwide?
It’s going well. I’m comfortable with Nick Garone and everything is good.
Michael, you’ve already challenged for the heavyweight championship and come up short. What will be different this time?
I have experience now. I was in a position last time the experience was missing. Now I’m coming with experience and I’ll be a whole lot better.
“Hassle at the Castle” is a benefit honoring the Shea Megale Trust for SMA and the Elena Melius Foundation. Several celebrity guests are expected, including a partial reunion of the 1984 Olympic Boxing Team.
Tickets are priced at General $350 and VIP $500 and are available at www.ringsidenow.com or by calling 201.951.0076. Open Bar and Hors D’oeuvres are included with ticket purchase. Oheka Castle is located at 135 West Gate Drive in Huntington, New York. For more information, call 201.951.0076 or visit www.championsofboxing.com. On fight night, doors will open at 6:30 pm. VIP Meet & Greet will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 and the first bout starts at 7:45.