Former world champion Malcolm Klassen

Earlier this year former world champion Malcolm Klassen (33-6-2, 17) signed with Asian manager Alexander King Shah. After signing with Shah we were able to send some questions to Malcolm ahead of the next chapter in his career. 

AB-What drew you into boxing?
MK-What drew me into boxing was the fact I was one of those kids who never backed down from a fight, I always stood my ground and never ran away from fights then my moms brother took me to a boxing gym because he saw what I could be, he is also the person that raised me.

AB-You made your debut almost 20 years ago, what advice would “old” you have for “young” you if you could speak to yourself before your debut?
MK-Normally I tell a lot of young fighters that boxing isn't a easy game nd if you are a fighter you need to train hard, if not if you and disrespect the game you can get knocked out badly.

AB-As you may be aware many fight fans around the world struggle to watch fights in African nations, and sadly they may not have seen many of your fights other than your 2009 fight with Robert Guerrero. Do you think this has hindered your career on an international basis with things like getting credit for your ability?
MK-On my site I never worried whether another fighter disrespect or undermine they see it in da ring who I really am and after fights they always confess how hard I punch and good I am.

AB-Staying on a similar theme, how would you describe your style to those who haven't seen you? And do you feel like your style has changed over the years?
MK-I can adapt to anyones fighting style I can fight on the back foot I can attack.

AB-Whilst Alexander Shah has been a great promoter in the Asian region your decision to sign with him seemed a little bit peculiar to some. What was it that drew you to Alex, especially so late in your career?
MK-Mr Alexander King. He is a good Promoter and manager and got connections in the industry and he looks after his fighters thanks to him we secured several big fights in 2017 and the first is against Mikhail Alexeev.

AB-At 35 years old you are around the age where most fighters consider retirement, yet you are currently on a solid 6 fight winning run with good wins against the likes of Justin Savi and Paulus Moses. Do you feel your body has a set number of fights left, or do you feel as young as ever?
MK-My age isnt a factor you only feel as old as you are, I mean I got good hand speed and I'm a accurate puncher.

AB-In your 41 fight career you have shared the ring with a real list of notable foes, like Jeffrey Mathebula, Mzonke Fana, Cassius Baloyi, Robert Guerrero, Will Tomlinson and Paulus Moses. Who would you say was the best fighter you've faced?
MK-The best fighter between Will Tomlinson and Paulus Moses I would say Paulus is a good fighter, I mean he is also a former World Champion my record speaks for it self.

AB-It's clear on twitter that you're trying to secure big bouts and you've called out numerous notable fighters. If you could hand select your next opponent, who would that be?
MK-If I would hand select any fighter to fight for now I would say I would wanna fight anyone....

AB-Finally, is there any idea of when we will be able to see you in the ring next? And what should fans be looking for when you do get back in there?
MK-My nxt fight will be in August in Russia on the 26th with me its fire works and good entertainment thats why im called "The Stone" I will fight Undefeated russian WBC champion (Ed's note - WBC Youth Super Featherweight champion) Mikhail Alexeev and hope I will get Lomachenko or Leo Santa Cruz soon to come. I also wanna say thanx to my Russian Promoter RCC Promotion Mr German Titov and my  manager/promoter Mr Alexander King Shah for believing in me and in giving me the opportunity again.

(Image courtesy of boxrec.com)

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