BSO: Undoubtedly each trip to the ring teaches you something new about yourself and fighting in general. What did you learn after going the distance with Herring?
LM: I learned that I’m ready for the next level. I’m ready for the top guys and I can hold my own. I feel I am one of the best in my weight class and I’m going to be a top fighter. That’s what I took away.
BSO: Would you say it’s been your toughest to date?
LD: It was my biggest fight, but not my toughest. I did my homework and I put in the work. When you do that, you can make the toughest fight your easiest.
BSO: Speaking of preparation, if you could put together a dream team of sparring partners to prepare for a title shot, who would you assemble?
LD: Hmm, good question. I’ll give you a straight answer. I’d bring in Jamel Herring. Rances Barthelemy, I’ve worked with him before. Does it have to be a current fighter? Can I go old school?
BSO: By all means
LD: Jamel, Rances… I’d go with a Zuma Nelson, he was a real TOUGH fighter, and rugged. This kid named Kenneth Sims, he’s a top prospect and a good friend.
So to wrap it up. Jamel for the experience, Rances for unorthodox punches, Zuma for the rough rugged work and Sims for the natural talent and skills.
BSO: A big thing for young fighters these days is posting Instagram videos of fancy pad work routines and just self-promotion in general. What are your thoughts on that? Are you a big user or are you more into the traditional way of doing things?
LD: Today’s boxing is changing. A lot of times guys with a lot of followers get the attention of promoters but what’s really happening is they come to the gym to shoot a little 10-second video then leave. If you’re a fighter working hard and someone catches you in the moment, I don’t see anything wrong with posting a video of that. But regardless of social media, you still have to come to the gym and put in the work. You have to know how to find the balance between social media and perfecting your craft in real life.