Ht: 5-9 Wt: 140

DOB: June 14, 1981 In: Paterson, N.J.

Status: Challenges Ricardo Torres for the WBO Junior Welterweight title on July 5 in Las Vegas.

Age started boxing: “I started at seven. I trained at home for a year and a half before I went to the gym. With my father and brother who was about a foot taller and 20 lbs. heavier than me. So you could understand what the sparring sessions were like. My dad would tie one of our legs together with a scarf and we’d just go toe to toe. Michael Jackson thinks he went through some shit [laughs]. A friend of mine called my father Joe Jackson [laughs].”

Childhood Dream: “A rapper, football player, actor.”

First boxing memory: “Was probably getting punched in the face with a right hand by my brother who was wearing those old Sugar Ray Leonard gloves (Franklin). They lasted about a week, then they got all tore up.”

Inspiration: “My son (Keshon).”

Favorite all-time fighter: “We gonna go with Sugar Ray Leonard.”

Best fight(s) you’ve seen: “I could remember the worst decision I ever seen - that was Whitaker-Chavez. The best performance that got me excited was Mayweather-N’Dou. It inspired me - after I saw it that night I went out and musta ran 10 miles. 10 miles in the middle of the night [smiles]. Shane Mosley - I used to watch his fight every morning before I went to the gym. I remember he hit that Australian guy with a right hand and he tipped over.”

Pre-fight meal: “Steak and potatoes. I learned that from Arturo Gatti. He used to bring me home from the gym.”

What do you do to relax: “I like watching movies. I’ve got over 400 DVDs. I watch movies all day. Today I went to Coconuts to get more.”

Pre-fight superstition: “None.”

Pre-fight feeling: “I can’t lose.”

What training do you do between fights (if any): “Lots of stretching. I like to stretch and run. Do a little yoga.”

Favorite meal: “Lasagna.”

Favorite breakfast cereal: “Froot Loops.”

Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and cream.”

First Job: “K-Mart (age 16).”

First Car: “Was my 300 ZX (red).”

Toughest part of being a boxer: “Trustin’ people.”

Favorite music: “Hip-hop, Jay-Z, I got an invitation for his one-year anniversary party in Atlantic City for the 40/40 Club (early November).”

Last book you read: “Ring magazine [laughs]. Does that count?”

Favorite film: “Wow…Nightmare on Elm Street collection. My son watches scary movies with me. Bad Boys II.”

What car do you drive: “Lexus (blue).”

Where do you train: “Ike’s Gym in Paterson, N.J.”

Training routine: “It’s exhausting. You want to go through the whole regimen? Sparring - that’s my favorite thing to do. If I could just spar - go to the gym, spar and then fight - I’d be good. Also running, sprints, sit-ups, hitting the bags, hitting the pads, I’ll be in the gym for like two or three hours. Stretching is like lifting weights. It hurts.”

Toughest man faced: “Me. When I have to fight myself to get back in shape. The toughest part is the two or three weeks fighting myself to get in shape. Pulling myself out of bed to run - that’s the toughest part [laughs]. Once I get in shape, it’s a breeze, it’s easy Including the fight.”

What supplements do you take: “A liquid multi-vitamin - it gets in your system quicker.”

Job outside of boxing: “Electrician.”

Last place you went on holiday: “I’ve never taken a vacation. I’d like to go to Bermuda.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “Beating Isaac Hlatshwayo.”

Most Painful Moment: “My first loss.”

Embarrassing Boxing Memory: “I don’t have any.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “Integrity.”

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