Most recent boxing interviews with Phil Lo Greco

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Phil Lo Greco : The Future of Boxing is coming

After signing to Golden Boy promotions in March of 2012, Welterweight contender Phil Lo Greco has had a good start in the states. 
First Bout win the US was April 28 in Atlantic City, NJ on Bhop Vs Dawson 2 undercard. Phil took on a crafty and durable Hector Orozco. Phil Shook off some ring rust with a UD win, in a toe to toe slugfest. 
On July 14, 2012 Phil took on Brandon Hoskins on the Garcia vs Khan undercard at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hoskins was coming of a third round KO lose to Power puncher Keith "ONE TIME" Thurman. Phil was on a mission and quickly got rid of Hoskins in the first round. 
Phil's final bout of 2012 was Vs Daniel Sostre on the Broner vs Demarco undercard in Atlantic City, NJ. Originally set to face Humberto Toledo, who couldn't pass his medicals, Sostre who had been training for another fight which was canceled took the spot. Sostre has faced up and comers like Gabriel Bracero, Danny O'Conner, and Wale Omotoso. After a late first round Knockdown Scare, LoGreco managed to get back behind the saddle and beat Sostre down. Phil won by TKO stoppage in the 7th of 8 rds, giving Sostre his first stoppage lose. 

What does this all mean?

2013 is going to be a big year for the Canadian-Italian better known as the "Italian Sensation."
Be sure to Keep your eyes and ears open. 

Take a good look at what 2012 brought for The Sensation.

2012-07-14 Phil Lo Greco vs Brandon Hoskins by sweetboxing1

2012-11-17 Phil Lo Greco vs Daniel Sostre by sweetboxing6

Phil gets interviewed by fight hype

Checkout Phil's latest interview on FightHype: http://www.fighthype.com/news/article12196.html

ADDITIONAL TICKETS OPEN FOR "ONCE AND FOR ALL: HOPKINS VS. DAWSON"

ADDITIONAL TICKETS OPEN FOR "ONCE AND FOR ALL: HOPKINS VS. DAWSON" AS DEMAND FROM FANS CONTINUES TO BUILD Atlantic City (April 18)...Due to astronomical demand for tickets for "Once and For All: Hopkins vs. Dawson" at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, nearly 1,300 additional tickets have opened for sale so more fans can experience the intense rivalry between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson in person and see Seth Mitchell and Chazz Witherspoon square off in a heavyweight battle. Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com. "The response for tickets to this fight has been overwhelming and I can understand why," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Hopkins' and Dawson's deep disdain for one another is very intense and I have no doubt they will show it in the ring. Additionally, the opportunity to see two American heavyweights, who are also college graduates, face one another is rare and very exciting. We're pleased to give more fans the chance to see this extraordinary event live."  "The fact that they are opening so many extra tickets speaks volumes about the interest and excitement about this fight," said Gary Shaw, President and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions. "I know Chad is ready and his fans will be behind him 100 percent." # # # "Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All," a 12-round bout for Hopkins' WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Caesars Atlantic City. Also featured will be a 12-round heavyweight battle between Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell and "The Gentleman" Chazz Witherspoon for the vacant NABO heavyweight title. The doubleheader will take place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Chicago Boxing News / FEATURED / Phil Lo Greco speaks

Phil Lo Greco speaks

Published on April 17, 2012 | Written by Nick Bellafatto | Posted in FEATURED, Interviews

I’ve recently had the pleasure of speaking with one of Golden Boy Promotions latest acquisitions in Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco, who, undefeated at 22-0, is set to make his U.S. debut on the undercard of the much anticipated rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson taking place April 28th in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This is what the Canadian based Italian fighter had to say about his boxing career thus far.

NB: Of course you’ve probably been congratulated many times over on your recent signing with Golden Boy Promotions, but obviously they’ve found something in you perhaps beyond your undefeated record which prompted them to sign you. Can you tell me why they signed you, or what qualities you feel you have that led Golden Boy to make you part of their fight stable?

PLG: Well my manager and my promoter they already had that connection with Golden Boy. I was at theWBO convention a couple of years ago and Eric Gomez was there and he saw me fight, and we met, and we’ve kept in touch ever since. But my promoters they already had a relationship with them (Golden Boy), and whenever it was time to make a move we were gonna go with them. That was good because I’m gonna be fighting mostly out on the East Coast. They’re opening up the Barclays Center so I look forward to fighting from there.

NB: Obviously Oscar De La Hoya and company have hopes of rasing you up to compete at the highest level to win a world title and such. But who in fact have you spoken with from Golden Boy, and are you on the same page as far as career development or the path you would like to take in working your way to the top?

PLG: I met Oscar in January but we didn’t really talk much because I let my managers do all that stuff. You know I was over there for another purpose which was to do a reality show with Paulie (Malignaggi), and we just happened to be at the office. I know Eric Gomez and I know Robert Diaz, but I know Eric Gomez better. But obviously the goal is to compete at the highest level and win a world championship and put on exciting fights for the public.

NB: You’ve fought in Canada and Europe but never in the US. Even though I don’t see anything posted yet you’re appearing on the undercard of the Chad Dawson-Bernard Hopkins rematch. What’s the latest as far as facing an upcoming opponent? Any names?

PLG: Actually my manager will give me the name today. This is just an off fight, a six round fight to get me back into the mix because I’ve been off for a year with an unfortunate injury. So we’ll go six rounds and pick it up from there.

NB: Speaking of injury, what kind of injury did you have, and how are you feeling nowadays?

PLG: I feel great. I had a lower back injury but I’m back and ready to go. I had a fractured finger also.

NB: You speak Italian and you have fought in Italy numerous times, although you were born in Canada. Where did you learn to speak Italian?

PLG: Actually I grew up in Sicily. Right after I was born my parents moved back to Sicily and I grew up there since I was nine. Then we came back here (Canada) from the age of nine until about seventeen, and then I went back to Italy to get into the Army to make the Italian Olympic Boxing Team. And ever since then I’ve just opened doors. I’ve opened many doors. I decided to box in Canada, in Europe, in Italy, and now I’m looking forward to fighting in the United States.

NB: There was another Italian fighter based in Canada, Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. Has anybody compared you to him style wise since you seem to have an affinity towards using that left hook?

PLG: No, I just want to be myself. There’s only one Arturo Gatti and on god’s word I want to do things he didn’t do. His boxing career is sacred and put to rest, god bless his soul. But I have my own destiny I’m trying to make.

NB: With a nickname like the “Italian Sensation,” do you feel boxing fans in the Italian Americancommunity in the North East will take to you when you make your debut here, or are you becoming a sensation with them already?

PLG: We’ll I’d love to know. And April 28th we shall know. It’s not like I’m gonna come there and already in one fight it’s going to be a sold out arena. So it takes time to develop. You got to make public appearances. That’s what boxing needs for fighters to be known. They have to go out there and talk to the public and talk to the people because I’m sure they want to get some feedback from boxing itself outside the ring. I just want to do the best I can and whatever support I get I appreciate it.

NB: There have been throughout the years many great Italian-American boxers or otherwise who have left quite a legacy in the sport, with names like Tony Canzoneri, Papaleo Gugliermo (Willie Pep), Jake LaMotta, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Marciano, Carmen Basilio, and others. Are you familiar with this rich history, and do you feel a connection with that legacy in that you may be part of something bigger than yourself, maybe in that you are fighting for national pride?

PLG: Oh yes I fight for my people. I know that boxing in the Italian American community hasn’t been that popular ever since the late Gatti. And Paulie Malignaggie has been doing a great job representing us. I just want to do the best I can and wherever I land I’ll be very grateful. That’s how I’ll put it. I just want to do the best I can. That’s my goal to do the best I can do.

NB: For those who are unfamiliar with you, how did you get your start in boxing and how do you classify yourself style wise as a fighter?

PLG: Well, I was a very energetic young boy when I was growing up. My father loved boxing. He practiced as a hobby when he was working in Germany back in the 60′s. And him loving boxing and me being energetic and could never be still, I started doing judo over there. My father told me if we ever go back to Canada boxing is what it is in Italy and I’ll let you go to the gym. Either that or you can play soccer. But I chose boxing.

NB: And what about your style?

PLG: I like to feel my opponent. I like to put the pressure on. I can box if I want to but sometimes I choose not to. I can box. I have a good amateur background you know. So I can box if I have to. I was on the Italian Olympic boxing team so definitely if I have to box I’ll box.

NB: You said in a previous interview that a man with determination is a dangerous man. Of course determination is a must in boxing, but it has to be accompanied by tactics and know how. With that said, what are you currently working on as far as your skill set, or is there anything in particular you are focusing on for your U.S. debut?

PLG: I’m just focusing on everything. I’m learning everyday. From repetition everything becomes better. If I’m throwing that jab I’m going to work on it and make it better. If I’m working on moving my head I gonna work on it and make it better. In boxing training it’s no secret that it’s repetition. But it’s following repetition that you build and hopefully you’ll be rewarded every time.

NB: You also mentioned the fact that to stay focused when in training you kind of isolate yourself or you don’t like to be comforted with the finer things in life. Kind of like Marvin Hagler when he was in training for a big fight. Does this mean you are easily distracted, or is this what you feel gives you an edge come fight night?

PLG: No I don’t get easily distracted. When I was in training camp in Italy we shared an apartment with only a toilet bowl. But I liked it. We did our own dishes and everything and we cooked. The kitchen was very small. It was one general place in Sardinia. It’s just my own thing. Once I move to the venue then it’s like I’m recharging my battery. I just chose it like this. Maybe next training camp I’ll go different but right now I comfortable the way I am. I like it. I don’t mind

NB: Apparently you have a love of American fast food, while at the same time it seems you’ve made the discovery that this type of food isn’t going to get the job done for you from a nutritional standpoint. Are you self disciplined enough as regards your dietary habits when training for a fight, or do you need some help with this?

PLG: Well I have a dietician who’s making my meal plan. When it’s boxing I have to do a job and I have to show up in great shape. And food is a major fact. I’m Italian and it’s no secret that we like to eat, we love to eat. And there are no easy fights. Every fight I always seem to care, but not as much. And dieting properly, it’s not so much losing weight but making better choices at the dinner table that’s all.

NB: You are good friends with Paulie Malignaggie who is an excellently skilled boxer who if he had more power, and/or less hand problems, he may have gone on to do even more in the sport. With that said, Paulie nevertheless has a WBA title shot lined up at the end of this month. Now I’m sure it’s crossed your mind before that there’s a possibility that you two might meet somewhere down the line in a meaningful bout. Any thoughts on that?

PLG: Every interview I’ve done people have asked me that same question about me and Paulie. Here’s the reality with me and Paulie. He’s not on the top of my list for me to fight him. He’s not a guy that I’m eyeing, where I can use or try to use as, I wouldn’t say to use as a stepping stone but you know what I mean. If there is a big demand because people want to see this fight because it could be such a good fight, and there’s a lot at stake, then maybe we’ll put it on. We’re friends. There’s other fighters to fight. I don’t need to fight my friend unless there is this urgency of us fighting.

NB: Do you and Paulie spar or exchange boxing advice?

PLG: We exchange boxing advice all the time. We’ve never sparred . Not because we don’t want to, there was just no reason to. When him and I are out we’re always out having fun. We’re never in the gym training. We share boxing advice all the time and it’s a sign that we shouldn’t fight. But I know he has a great, great chance at beating Senchenko.

NB: You apparently spar MMA star George St-Pierre. Who get’s the better of it when you two go at it?

PLG: Ask George. That was a couple of years ago when I used him for sparring when I was in Montreal. But ask George.

NB: Are there any other well known fighters that you spar with, or who in fact are you sparring for your April 28th bout?

PLG: I already did sparring today with Glen Johnson. We’re gonna spar probably tomorrow. I sparred when I was in Montreal with Joachim Alcine who was the former WBA champion. Adonis Stevenson,Librado Andrade I sparred, the list goes on and on. Cory Spinks when he was getting ready to fight “K9″and then he lost. I just sparred him just a couple times. I spar with whoever I can take on.

NB: There was another recently undefeated Canadian fighter in David Lemieux whom many had high hopes on, with those hopes being set back recently when David lost to Marco Antonio Rubio, and then Joachim Alcine. In my opinion, undefeated records are many times overblown because some fighters after suffering a defeat have went on to become the greatest fighters of all time. Being undefeated is all well and good but it seems to be more of a present day promotional angle, while at times that angle consists of padding the record of certain fighters who may be considered more marketable. What do you make of this consideration, and how would you respond to a defeat if it ever comes?

PLG: It’s part of the game. It’s part of boxing. Obviously you have more to lose every time you step into the ring but there’s no pressure on me. I have the mentality where I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You know what I mean. Some of thee greatest fighters of all time they all have losses. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s how you bounce back. Obviously I go in there to win every single time and I don’t think about defeat, but you know defeat is part of boxing. So that’s all I can say.

NB: You’re 22-0 right now, but realistically how far are you away do you think you are from facing the top fighters in a stacked welterweight division?

PLG: Not far. Not far. We’ll make decisions after the fight. After April 28th well make some decisions with my team. Well see what they want me to do. I’m hoping that at the end of the year I’ll get something big. Isn’t that what boxing is supposed to be about? Fighting fights that people want to see regardless of who’s the winner or who’s the loser. Just a great night of boxing, that’s what’s important.

NB: Again people have seen your name mentioned in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions, but they are wondering who Phil Lo Greco is and what he’s about as regards the sport of boxing. So before we wrap up, what do you want existing or potential new boxing fans to know about you?

PLG: I’m just a simple guy. A 27 years old who loves life and lives life to it’s fullest. I’m proud to be Italian/Canadian, and I’m proud to be part of Golden Boy, to be part of the United States. I don’t feel like a foreigner because I have so many relatives and friends in the states and I’ve been there so many times. I feel like I’m at home. I’m just your average guy. Pretty much I’ll talk to anybody. I’m very simple and I’m very down to earth.

NB: Thanks for your time Phil and good luck in the future.

PLG: No problem. Anytime.

ABOUT NICK BELLAFATTO

Growing up in San Francisco in the 1960's and 70's, Nick Bellafatto became a huge boxing fan, tuning in regularly to watch the big fights on Wide World of Sports. Always passionate about boxing, he would eventually train as an amateur himself, with intentions of becoming a professional. Regretfully, he didn’t pursue a boxing career, but he rather turned his passion into coaching, as well as writing about the sport he loves. He currently runs a non profit gym called Peninsula Boxing & Fitness in Redwood City, CA, out of which when not coaching fighters, he is at the computer cranking out boxing articles from an athletic perspective, as well as from the perspective of a coach who knows what it is that fighters need to accomplish physically, as well as mentally in preparation for their fights.

Browse Archived Articles by Nick Bellafatto

Phil LoGreco : Radio interviews

We are working on getting the word out. Phil LoGreco is finally making his way into the US. April 28 is the day. Phil will be on the Bernard Hopkins vs Chad Dawson undercard at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. You can catch some of Phil's recent interviews at :

AlltimeGreat.com


Thaboxingvoice.com

And


TapOutLive.com

The New Golden Boy: Phil Lo Greco

The New Golden Boy Phil Lo Greco

Posted on Apr. 9th, 2012 by DB NEWS ROOM

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

Phil ” The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco ( 22-0 12K) is an internationally known welterweight champion.  He has been fighting most of his professional career in Canada and Italy. Phil will be making his first professional debut on American soil when he appears on the Hopkins-Dawson card this April 28th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Phil’s career has become even more exciting with his signing last week with Golden Boy Promotions. He looks forward to fighting the best the welterweight division has to offer. He knows that his future goal of winning a world title will take many sacrifices and he is prepared to give it his all to make his dreams come true.

Phil is a very down to earth, nice guy. He is very talented in the ring with an aggressive style but also very charismatic outside the ropes as well.
Speaking with Phil was indeed a pleasure. With his handsome good looks and European accent, I’m sure he will create a media sensation among boxing fans in the US.    Let’s talk to Phil Lo Greco.

BD What sparked your interest in boxing?
PLG I watched fights on TV and my Dad was a big boxing fan. He took me to the gym and I loved it. I was an energetic kid.

BD How did you get your nickname?
PLG  I was in the army in Italy and when I came back to Montreal I turned pro. People just started calling me ” The Italian Sensation” and it stuck.

BD How does it feel to sign with Golden Boy Promotions?
PLG It feels right. Golden Boy is  a winning team and I want to be associated with a winning team. I’m very grateful.

BD This will be your 1st professional fight in the USA are you excited?
PLG I’m very excited. It will be in Atlantic City and it’s gonna be good. I will do whatever I can to give a good performance.

BD Is your boxing career so far all you hoped for?
PLG I would say so. I’m 27 and 100% happy and it’s my time now.

BD What makes you a threat in the ring?
PLG My determination. A man with determination is a dangerous man
.
BD What message do you have for your opponent?
PLG I’m going to knock him out.

BD How do you describe your boxing style?
PLG Smartly aggressive-pushing forward.

BD Who is training you?
PLG Ryan Grant in Toronto.

BD How do you stay focused when training?
PLG Everything I like I take away. Right now I’m sleeping on a couch. I have a very bare apartment without any fancy things. I don’t want to be comfortable.

BDWhat is your greatest strength as a fighter?
PLG My heart.

BD What can you improve on?
PLG Everything.

BD What has your last few fights taught you?
PLG Eat well and do proper nutrition. No fast food.

BDWhat does having an undefeated record mean to you?
PLG Everytime I step in the ring I have more to lose.

BD What is your boxing goal in the next 3-5 years?
PLG A world title.

BD What do you think of women’s boxing?
PLG I’m a big fan of women’s boxing. They can be sexy in the ring while kicking ass.

BD What is your opinion of MMA?
PLG I love it. It’s a great sport. George St. Pierre is a sparring partner of mine. I respect any fighting sport.

BD What would be your dream fight?
PLG Manny Pacquiao. He is my idol.

BD How can we keep boxing strong?
PLG Very simple. You need personality. More public appearances so the fighters can shake hands with their fans.

My Boxing Diva Questions
BD If you were an animal which one would you be?
PLGThat’s easy a tiger.

BD On a scale of 1-10 how happy are you?
PLG 11

BD If you were a car-what kind of car would you be?
PLG A red Ferrari

BD Favorite snack?
PLG Me and American fast food is sweet mouth-watering love.(Burger King-McDonalds)

BD What kind of person do you dislike?
PLG Two-faced. I was taught to be real. Your word in your bond.

BD What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
PLG Let’s see.( He goes to the frig and tells me exactly what he has inside.) Eggs, cauliflower,orange juice and chicken breast.

BD Can you cook?
PLG Yes. Seafood and pasta.

BD Favorite color?
PLG  Royal Blue

BD Do you wear boxers or briefs?
PLG Both. It depends on the night.

BD What are you afraid of?
PLG Maybe heights.

BD When you dream is it about boxing?
PLG No.

BD Do you speak French?
PLG I understand French but I speak Spanish better,

BD What would we never guess about you?
PLG I’m very good with numbers/math.

BD What kind of music do you like?
PLG I like it all. Latin-Hip Hop anything with a good beat.

BD When not training for a fight what do you like to do?
PLG I like to spend time with my family and my girlfriend. I like to travel .

BD What do you splurge on?
PLG Shoes. Today I was just looking at a pair of shoes for $500.

And Lastly
BD What message would you like to send to your fans?
PLG Thank you for your support. I’ll be delivering thrills in the ring. I can’t wait to meet and greet my fans. Much love to you for the interview. I appreciate it.

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